Ingredients

12 plum tomatoes (about 3 pounds)

1/4 teaspoon sugar

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Slice tomatoes in half lengthwise, and place cut side up in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Place a few thyme leaves on top of each half, and drizzle lightly with oil.

Roast until tomatoes have started to shrivel and caramelize, about 2 1/2 hours. Remove from oven; let cool until ready to use, up to 5 days.