Italian food is ubiquitous and also part of the Nordic cuisine. The dishes are characterized by a few high-quality ingredients, which do not need elaborate preparation. This lazy tomato sauce is made with ripe cherry tomatoes, which are quickly roasted with garlic and herbs and then crushed for a rustic texture or blended for a smooth finish. It is quick but much fresher and tastier than anything coming out of a tin.

A rich tomato sauce on the stove requires time to develop depth of flavour. Roasting the tomatoes achieves the same result by concentrating and intensifying their flavours and sweetness with a fraction of the time. It is my favourite recipe during busy working days.

Serves: 4 with pasta    Total time: 25 -30 min

INGREDIENTS

400 g cherry tomatoes
2 crushed garlic cloves
Virgin olive oil
Fresh herbs (thyme, basil or oregano)
Salt and pepper

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C Fan.

2. Add the tomatoes, crushed garlic, and salt and pepper to a roasting dish. Pour over the olive oil and stir to coat.

3. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are wrinkly on the outside while still juicy on the inside.

4. For a rustic texture as in this recipe, crush and mix the ingredients with a potato masher. Use the blender for a smooth finish.

5. Serve it immediately with pasta and your favourite fresh herb, or use it as a base for an amazing pizza or for a savoury English breakfast.

Tips: I love parmesan but find that it sometimes dominates the sauce, so if using the sauce for a pasta, try it without the cheese first for the full experience.

Who says that art or museum objects have to be displayed against a neutral, white background. I felt compelled to show you this Italian architectural masterpiece in Verona by Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978), and not only for the red stucco lustro wall.

His restoration and transformation of the 14th Century Castelvecchio (Italian for old castle) show a striking balance between new and old with particular attention to materials, details, and the mounting of exhibits.

If you ever visit Verona, you must go first to see the building and the collection of paintings, sculptures and artefacts.