Heat heavy cast pan.

Halve tomatoes and place into hot pan. Season with salt, pepper and pinch of sugar.

Cut vanilla in half and add seeds to tamatoes. Add pod and star anise.

Allow tomatoes to cook and then push gently with masher to help them release juices.

Reduce heat to simmer and and cook 1-2 hours until a thickened paste.

Crack garlic and add along with basil which is just halved and thrown in.

Stir in good amount of olive oil and allow to infuse.