RECIPE: SUPER SEXY TOMATO, OLIVE + THYME PASTA SAUCE

Makes sauce for 4

Ingredients:

1 tin tomatoes

large handful black olives

1 small onion, thin slices

bunch thyme

2 garlic cloves

dash truffle oil

dash lemon or red wine vinegar

chipotle chilli

splash red wine (optional)

salt + pepper to season

I guess the name of this should really be ‘playful pasta sauce’. I wouldn’t have ordinarily thought to post a recipe for a simple sauce but I’ve actually made this about 6 times in the last few weeks with a variety of accompaniments! It really is a chance to make something quick out of what’s left in the cupboard and whether you use thyme, parsley, coriander… or chipotle, smoked paprika or harissa, anything that’s left generally goes (I’m sure you can be a good judge of that ;P ).

Lightly fry the onion in olive oil along with the garlic cloves just crushed by the side of a knife (I don't like chopping small as they burn so quick). I like a low to medium heat to avoid browning too quickly. When soft and translucent add the tin of tomatoes, thyme and a small dash of all ingredients except the olives. Also add half a tin of water and let stew down on a medium heat for a good few minutes until the water has evaporated and flavours had a chance to release.

Taste, and get playful. Add your olives, and go very easy on the acidity as tomatoes are naturally so. This can be quite tangy so parmesan is also a nice addition to take the edge off.

Save some fresh thyme for a sprinkle on top :D