Hot, Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Cold Yogurt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place the tomatoes in a mixing bowl with the olive oil, cumin, sugar, garlic, thyme, oregano sprigs lemon strips, 1/2 teaspoon flaked salt and a good grind of pepper. Mix to combine, then transfer to a baking sheet just large enough--about 6 x 8 inches--to fit all the tomatoes together snugly. (You can just cluster them tightly together on whatever tray you have.) Place the sheet about 2 inches below the broiler and roast for 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are beginning to blister and the liquid is bubbling.. turn the oven to the broil setting and broil for 6 to 8 minutes, until the tomatoes start to blacken on top.

While the tomatoes are roasting, combine the yogurt with the grated lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon of flaked salt. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

Once the tomatoes are ready, spread the chilled yogurt on a platter (with a lip), or in a wide, shallow bowl, creating a dip in it with the back of a spoon. Spoon the hot tomatoes on top, along with other juices, lemon strips, garlic, and herbs, and finish with the oregano leaves and chile flakes. Serve at once.