Creamy Tomato Sauce

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat one tablespoon of the butter in a casserole or saucepan, and add the shallots, onions, garlic and thyme. Cook, stirring, until the onions are wilted.

2. Step 2

   Add the tomatoes, bay leaf, salt and pepper, and bring to the boil, stirring. Cover closely and let simmer 15 minutes. There should be about three and one-half cups.

3. Step 3

   Pour the mixture into the container of a food processor or electric blender and blend thoroughly.

4. Step 4

   Return the mixture to a saucepan and add the cream. Bring to the boil and let simmer about five minutes, stirring. Put the sauce through a sieve or, preferably, a food mill, stirring to extract as much liquid as possible from any solids. Reheat and swirl in the remaining two tablespoons of butter.