Butter bean spread with fermented Piccolo tomatoes, confit garlic and crispy, frazzled sage leaves

Begin eight to ten days ahead of serving by preparing the fermented cherry tomatoes 

To a large sterilised jar, add the cherry tomatoes along with the thyme and aromatics 

Mix together the filtered water with the kosher sea salt to make a brine 

Pour the brine over the tomatoes, making sure to submerge them fully 

Cover the jar with a lid, then store in a cool dark place for 8–10 days, making sure to open the lid and release the fermentation gases twice a day 

When ready, the tomatoes will be fermented and bubbly. Open the jar and use as desired, then re-seal the opened jar and store in the fridge for up to three months 

A couple of hours ahead of serving, prepare the confit garlic 

Add the garlic cloves to a pot along with the olive oil and thyme 

Bring the oil up to around 90°C, then cover with a lid and leave to confit for around 2 hours until the garlic is soft and aromatic 

Next, prepare the yellow pepper and butter bean spread 

Preheat the oven to 200°C

Drizzle the yellow peppers with olive oil and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper 

Roast in the oven for around 30 minutes, until lightly charred and soft 

Place the pepper flesh into a blender along with the remaining ingredients except for the olive oil, and pulse until smooth 

Whilst the blender is running, drizzle in the olive oil in a slow continuous stream, then taste and season with salt and pepper 

To make the basil oil, blend together the fresh basil and vegetable oil in a blender 

Transfer to a pot then bring to a gentle simmer 

Once the basil-infused oil and the herb solids have separated, strain into a container through a fine mesh sieve and a cheesecloth. Store in the fridge until ready to serve 

For the frazzled sage leaves, heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add in the large sage leaves 

Cook in the oil until crispy and lightly browned, then transfer to a clean piece of kitchen paper to drain before sprinkling with flaky salt. Reserve the sage infused oil for plating 

To serve, spoon the yellow pepper spread into a serving plate. Top with the fermented cherry tomatoes, confit garlic, basil oil, frazzled sage leaves and a pinch of chilli flakes. Serve with flatbreads or toasted sourdough if desired