International Cuisine > French Cuisine > Sauces (French) > Tomato Sauce (Sauce Tomate) Recipe

Classic French Sauce Tomate

Learn how to make a rich and flavorful Sauce Tomate, a fundamental French tomato sauce. This versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, meats, vegetables, and more. Our easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delicious result every time.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 2 kg Ripe Tomatoes
  • 60 ml Olive Oil
  • 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
  • 2 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 240 ml Vegetable Broth or Water
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Preparation

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Blanch the tomatoes by scoring an 'X' on the bottom, briefly boiling them in water for about 30 seconds, then plunging them into ice water. This makes peeling them much easier. Peel, seed, and coarsely chop the tomatoes.

Sauté Aromatics

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Build the Sauce

3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This deepens the flavor of the sauce. Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.

Simmer and Reduce

4. Simmer and Reduce: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.

Finishing Touches

5. Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it (optional). Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: Approximately 50-60 kcal
Fat: 3-4g
Carbohydrates: 5-6g
Protein: 1-2g

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

The exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. This sauce is relatively low in calories and fat. It is rich in vitamins from the tomatoes.

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FAQ

  • Can I use canned tomatoes?

    Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with 800g of canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Can I freeze Sauce Tomate?

    Absolutely! Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • What can I use Sauce Tomate for?

    Sauce Tomate is incredibly versatile! Use it as a base for pasta sauces, pizza, stews, braised meats, or as a dipping sauce.