Do you add bay leaves to spaghetti sauce?

You can add bay leaves to spaghetti sauce, but it's not a traditional ingredient.

Here's why:

* Flavor profile: Bay leaves have a strong, slightly bitter flavor that can overpower the other flavors in a spaghetti sauce.

* Texture: Bay leaves are tough and fibrous, and they can be unpleasant to bite into.

* Potential for bitterness: If left in the sauce for too long, bay leaves can impart a bitter taste.

However, some people enjoy the subtle, earthy aroma and flavor that bay leaves add to their spaghetti sauce. If you decide to use them, here are some tips:

* Use sparingly: One or two bay leaves should be enough for a large pot of sauce.

* Remove before serving: Make sure to remove the bay leaves before serving the sauce.

* Steep in hot oil: For a milder flavor, you can steep the bay leaves in hot olive oil for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce.

Ultimately, whether or not to add bay leaves to your spaghetti sauce is a matter of personal preference. Experiment and see what you like best!