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Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

These slow-roasted tomatoes are a store-cupboard revelation, transforming simple tinned Italian plum tomatoes into something truly special. By roasting them slowly with a touch of sugar and butter, the flavours concentrate and the edges become beautifully caramelised. This process creates a rich, jammy texture that balances sweet and savoury notes perfectly, making it an excellent vegetarian staple to keep in your repertoire.

This versatile dish works wonderfully as a sophisticated side or a flavour-packed topping for crusty sourdough and creamy ricotta. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, these tomatoes add a punch of umami to salads and pasta dishes alike. It is a simple, cost-effective way to elevate basic ingredients into a gourmet accompaniment.

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Ingredients for Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 (800g) can Italian plum tomatoes in juice, drained

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

How to make Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

Preheat oven to 177°C with rack in middle. Lightly butter an 8-inch shallow baking dish.

Stir together sugar, salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper in a cup.

Put tomatoes in baking dish and sprinkle all over with sugar mixture. Dot tomatoes with butter, then bake until tomatoes are partially collapsed and deeply caramelized in places, 1 to 2 hours. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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