Understanding Chasseur Sauce

Chasseur (French for 'hunter') is a classic sauce with rustic origins — legend says hunters created it from foraged mushrooms and their game. The sauce combines sautéed mushrooms, shallots, white wine, tomatoes, and tarragon in a rich demi-glace base. Key elements: mushrooms should be substantial (not thinly sliced) for body, tomatoes add brightness and acidity, and fresh tarragon provides the distinctive anise note. The sauce should have proper jus consistency — coating the spoon but still pourable — not reduced to a thick garnish. It pairs magnificently with game, chicken, and veal.