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This Italian-inspired recipe for tomato pasta sauce combines no less than three different types of tomato. While ordinary tomatoes provide the body of the sauce, sun-blushed tomatoes add a depth of flavour and cherry tomatoes provide a hint of sweetness.
Sun-blush tomatoes are traditionally produced in Italy by laying tomatoes out on roofs to bake under the hot sun – a method developed to preserve the red fruits for use during the winter months. They are left out for half the time as sun-dried tomatoes so that they retain some juiciness while still developing a richer flavour. While you can easily buy a jar of them, you can also make your own – without the Italian sunshine. Instead, try slowly baking fresh tomatoes on a low heat. They can then be used for several recipes that require tomato pasta sauce – including lasagne and pizza.

Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/gas mark 7. Heat half the olive oil in a pan and gently cook the garlic and chili for 2-3 minutes until soft, but not coloured. Add the thyme and skinned tomatoes to the pan. Heat gently and simmer uncovered, for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes are reduced to a fairly thick sauce. Stir in the sun-blushed tomatoes. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Put the cherry tomatoes in a roasting tin and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Shake the pan so the tomatoes are evenly covered. Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 6-7 minutes or until they start to split. Drain the pasta and stir in the tomato sauce. Divide between four plates then gently fold in the roasted tomatoes. Serve immediately.