Sauces and Dips

A fiery sauce rooted in Southwest France, Sauce Piquante blends tomatoes, peppers, onions, and vinegar into a spicy, tangy stew sauce for rabbit, chicken, or game.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup white wine or stock
• 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt & pepper

Method

1. Sauté vegetables: Heat oil in a pan; cook onion, pepper, and garlic until softened—5–6 min.
2. Tomatoes & paste: Stir in tomatoes and paste; cook 2 min.
3. Deglaze & season: Add wine, vinegar, pepper flakes, and thyme; simmer 10 min.
4. Adjust & serve: Season with salt and pepper. For a smoother sauce, blend briefly.

Nutrition Facts (per 3 Tbsp / ~45 g)

Servings: Makes ~8 servings (3 Tbsp each)

FAQs

• Can I make it milder?
  Reduce or omit red pepper flakes; add sweetness with a pinch of sugar.
• How to thicken?
  Simmer longer uncovered, or whisk in a small cornstarch slurry.

Substitutions

• Pepper variety: Use poblano or jalapeño for different heat profiles.
• Vinegar swap: Sherry or apple cider vinegar for nuanced acidity.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock instead of wine.