Sauces | Basics with Babish

Sauces form the base of many wonderful dishes and thus, are a great place to start in the kitchen. Featuring a salsa, a red sauce, a béchamel, and a red wine sauce, this Basics with Babish episode will get you chopping, mincing, deglazing, and more in no time.

Check out a list of my kitchen tools here:

My first cookbook, Eat What You Watch, is available now in stores and online!

Theme song: "Stay Tuned" by Wuh Oh

Shopping Lists + Equipment for live cook-a-long

Salsa (Pico de Gallo)

Shopping List

-2-3 large, ripe tomatoes - firm, fragrant, preferably on the vine
-1 medium red onion
-Cilantro (very optional, substitute with parsley if you're like me)
-1 Jalapeño
-Fresh garlic (1 clove)
-Kosher salt
-Freshly ground pepper
-1 red bell pepper (optional)
-1 mango (optional) - soft but not mushy to the touch
-Scallions, aka green onions (one)

Equipment List

-Chef knife
-Cutting board
-Mixing bowl
-Serving bowl
-Garlic press (optional)
-Nitrile gloves (optional, but you'll want em in the future)
-Pepper mill

Red Sauce

Shopping list

-Fresh garlic (3 cloves)
-1 medium yellow onion
-Olive oil (extra virgin and non)
-Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-Tomato paste (1 small can or squeeze tube)
-2 x 28 ounce cans San Marzano tomatoes (look for D.O.P. certified - otherwise, try Muir Glen Organic)
-Fresh basil (1-2 sprigs)
-Unsalted butter
-Kosher salt
-Freshly ground pepper

Equipment List

-Chef's knife
-Cutting board
-Pepper mill
-Enameled Dutch oven (or other large, non-reactive/non-aluminum/non-cast iron pot)
-Wooden spoon

Bechamel Macaroni & Cheese

Shopping list

-Butter (2-4 tablespoons)
-All-purpose flour (2-4 tablespoons)
-Whole milk (1 cup)
-Cheddar cheese (4 ounces, not pre-shredded)
-Monterey jack cheese (4 ounces, not pre-shredded)
-Parmesan cheese (6 ounces, can be pre-grated)
-1 pound dried macaroni
-Panko bread crumbs (unseasoned, 3/4 cup)
-Kosher salt
-Freshly ground pepper
-Fresh thyme (optional, 2 sprigs, picked)

Equipment List

-Saucepan
-Whisk
-Measuring cups/spoons (optional)
-Nonstick sauté pan
-Casserole
-Aluminum foil (if the casserole doesn't have a lid)
-Pepper mill

[cowboy_dogg]

I have a mango cutting related scar on my left thumb, just don't try and cut the mango seed open, there's nothing in there for you but a trip to the ER and losing the respect of your mother.

[catherinemccully]

Please start Bedtime with Babish where you just read us all Bedtime stories with that sweet baritone voice

[jaydenhpiano]

1:12 salsa
5:01 red sauce
7:20 bechamel
9:35 pan sauce

[martinnoreallymartin]

I think the intrinsic value of cooking can be described in one sentence he says here: "You're the chef. You've earned it."

[wowieok]

I know this is an old, old video. But Babish I just tried out your red sauce recipe for spaghetti tonight and I’m in love!! My house smells like a pizzeria and I’m so excited to taste it. Thank you for inspiring me to cook and be passionate about it, it means a lot to a 16 year old who’s mom doesn’t keep any spices in the house aside from salt and pepper. I’ve loved your channel from the moment I discovered it and now I actually get to make something of yours! I’m so happy

[Ravilaaaa]

Juice is temporary, but sauce is forever.

[Nawsey]

I'm so grateful for your existence

[BeefBronson]

“I know what you’re thinking, *it’s macaroni time* ”

oh andrew you know me so well

[chotenque]

"Cut off the head and then peel off the skin"
-Binging with psycho

[demonicape]

A moment of silence for the people who, due to genetics, think cilantro tastes like soap.

[mariano]

Babish: You know what else goes good with salsa?
Me: B-ROLL
Oh wrong channel

[juliansedor]

I just finished watching this again, immediately went to the kitchen with the cheese sauce recipe still in my head perfectly, and made some. I used sharp cheddar and colby jack cheeses, and use an ounce of parmesan, and it was good. I plan to attempt homemade Mac and cheese soon. Thanks Babi!

[ThaaiSamurai]

Her: "Babe, where have you been all this time?"
Me: Binging, with Babish.

[mijles]

Me, who cooks just for himself: let’s get this cookin!
Food-YouTuber: “So this recipe serves roughly 128 people.”

[CheqmateWoW]

I know you likely won't see this, but I've been reiterating my own red sauce with the base you provided in this video. I'm talking different spices, onion choice, etc. It truly is a very versatile sauce and my family and friends love it. From my humble college student abode, I salute you!

[syhujuk]

Babish: **Doesn’t like cilantro**

Mexicans: >:(

[AddisonChains]

You've been my favorite cook since i watched the Bobs Burgers eps. This new series is highly informative and enjoyable. Thank you, and Cheers

[thebropoppy]

Binging, this video gave me alot of courage to start cooking, I recently cooked my mom breakfast, a marinated steak, and it was PERFECT. She said it was cooked to perfection.

I know how to make duck and steak because of your videos and all the courage I got from them.
Thanks

[pickledeliveryguy]

god bless your bechamel, i just made my first real, non-boxed macaroni and cheese

[Dimelo.R]

Babish, y—you are. A. Fucking. Wizard.