Tomato Sauce

French tomato sauce, known as "sauce tomate," is a flavorful base used in various French and Mediterranean dishes. It's a versatile sauce that can be adapted to suit your culinary creations. Here's a basic recipe for making French tomato sauce:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes or 3-4 fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and having your canned or fresh tomatoes ready. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for a minute, then peel, seed, and dice them.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, usually taking about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid browning.
3. Add Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes to the saucepan. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture, but this is optional.
4. Add Seasonings: Toss in the bay leaf and fresh basil leaves. The basil adds a lovely herbaceous note to the sauce.
5. Simmer and Reduce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom. This simmering process helps the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken.
6. Optional Sugar: If your tomatoes are a bit too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Taste the sauce first and decide if it's necessary.
7. Season and Serve: After the sauce has simmered and thickened to your liking, season it with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and basil leaves before serving.
8. Serve or Store: Your French tomato sauce is now ready to be used as a base for classic French dishes like Ratatouille, Bouillabaisse, or as a pasta sauce. You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer storage.

This French tomato sauce is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire, and you can modify it by adding your favorite herbs and seasonings to suit your dishes. Enjoy experimenting with this classic sauce in your recipes!