Directions

1. First make the tomato sauce : If you’re using fresh tomatoes - bring a pot of water to the boil and drop the tomatoes into it. After a few minutes you’ll start to notice their skins coming off. Drain, peel back their skins completely and purée them in a blender.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot and add the chopped onions and garlic. Once lightly browned, tip in the tomatoes, chilli flakes, oregano, sugar, pepper, and salt. Bring it up to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally until it has thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Take off the heat and set aside.
3. To prepare the banana peppers : Remove the stalks and slit lengthwise on one side (essentially opening it up flat, NOT halving into two pieces). Remove and discard the seeds and white membrane from the inside using your fingers (please wear gloves for this step, I learnt it the hard way).