Difference between tomato sauce and concasse?

While both tomato sauce and concassé are made with tomatoes, they differ significantly in their preparation and usage:

Tomato Sauce:

* Preparation: Tomatoes are cooked down with other ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. The mixture is then simmered until it thickens into a smooth, flavorful sauce.

* Consistency: Tomato sauce has a relatively smooth and thick consistency.

* Usage: Tomato sauce is a versatile base for many dishes, including pasta sauces, pizza toppings, and soups. It adds a rich tomato flavor and depth to the dish.

Concassé:

* Preparation: Tomatoes are peeled, seeded, and chopped into small, even pieces. They are typically cooked briefly with olive oil and garlic, but not fully cooked down.

* Consistency: Concassé has a chunky texture with distinct pieces of tomato.

* Usage: Concassé is often used as a fresh and flavorful topping for dishes like salads, pastas, pizzas, and soups. It adds a burst of tomato flavor and visual appeal.

Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

| Feature | Tomato Sauce | Concassé |

|---|---|---|

| Preparation | Cooked down with other ingredients | Briefly cooked, chopped into small pieces |

| Consistency | Smooth and thick | Chunky, with distinct pieces |

| Usage | Base for various dishes | Topping for dishes |

| Flavor | Rich and intense | Fresh and bright |

In essence, tomato sauce is a cooked and concentrated tomato product, while concassé is a fresh and chunky tomato preparation. Both are delicious and versatile in their own way, and the choice between the two depends on the desired flavor, texture, and application in your dish.