How to Make Tomato Sauce CHEF SKILLS

How to Make Tomato Sauce CHEF SKILLS is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Fallow on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 44 min

Cost: $7.87 total, $1.97 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Tomatoes (ripe plum tomatoes, finely chopped; seeds removed and water saved)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for sautéing and finishing)
  • 2 tablespoons Vodka (will evaporate quickly, adds depth)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika for depth)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Water (water collected from tomato seeds, adds fresh acidity)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables

    Finely chop the tomatoes, removing the seeds; reserve the seed water in a small bowl. Finely chop the garlic and onion.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Onion

    Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Add Garlic

    Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Deglaze with Vodka

    Stir in the vodka and let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Water

    Add the chopped tomatoes (including the seeds) and the reserved tomato water. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Season and Simmer

    Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until it thickens.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: low simmer

  7. Finish with Olive Oil

    Remove the pan from heat and stir in the remaining 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil for richness. Adjust final seasoning if needed.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
10 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Last updated: April 18, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to Make Tomato Sauce CHEF SKILLS

Recipe by Fallow

A quick, flavorful tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, a splash of vodka, and a finish of olive oil and tomato water. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
6m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
38m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.87
Total cost
$1.97
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not let the garlic burn; add it after the onion and sauté briefly.
  • Allow the vodka to fully evaporate before adding tomatoes.
  • Finish the sauce with a splash of extra virgin olive oil and fresh tomato water for brightness.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Alcohol evaporates quickly but keep away from open flames.
  • Handle knives carefully when chopping tomatoes and garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of simple tomato sauce in Italian cuisine?

A

Tomato sauce, or "sugo di pomodoro," is a cornerstone of Italian cooking, dating back to the 16th century when tomatoes were first introduced from the New World. It became a staple in Southern Italy, especially Naples, and forms the base for countless regional dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tomato sauce in Italy?

A

In the north, tomato sauce is often enriched with butter and herbs, while in the south it may include olives, capers, or a splash of red wine. The Neapolitan version is simple—just tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil—much like this recipe.

cultural
Q

How is a simple tomato sauce traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is traditionally served over pasta such as spaghetti or linguine, spooned onto pizza dough, or used as a base for dishes like meatballs, eggplant parmigiana, and seafood stews.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is simple tomato sauce associated with in Italian culture?

A

Tomato sauce appears at everyday family meals and festive occasions alike, from Sunday pasta lunches to holiday feasts. Its versatility makes it a go‑to for both casual and celebratory dishes.

cultural
Q

How does simple tomato sauce fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?

A

It exemplifies the Italian philosophy of using a few high‑quality ingredients to create deep flavor. The sauce showcases the importance of tomatoes, olive oil, and aromatic herbs in the Mediterranean diet.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for simple tomato sauce versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include ripe fresh tomatoes, extra‑virgin olive oil, garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt. Acceptable substitutes are canned crushed tomatoes, vegetable oil, or garlic paste, though they slightly alter flavor and texture.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with this simple tomato sauce?

A

It pairs beautifully with spaghetti, penne, lasagna, homemade pizza, meatballs, grilled chicken, and baked eggplant dishes.

cultural
Q

What makes this simple tomato sauce special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The addition of a splash of vodka and fresh tomato water adds depth and bright acidity, creating a sauce that is both rich and lively while staying true to the minimalist Italian style.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making simple tomato sauce?

A

Common mistakes include burning the garlic, not allowing the vodka to fully evaporate, and over‑cooking the sauce which can turn it bitter. Follow the critical steps to ensure a balanced flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this simple tomato sauce recipe use vodka instead of wine?

A

Vodka evaporates quickly, leaving behind a subtle sweetness that enhances the tomato’s natural flavor without adding the acidity of wine. It also helps emulsify the sauce for a smoother texture.

technical
Q

Can I make this simple tomato sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Fallow specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Fallow focuses on straightforward, technique‑driven cooking tutorials that emphasize ingredient quality and simple, repeatable methods for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Fallow's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Fallow’s approach highlights minimalism and the science behind each step—like using vodka for flavor extraction—while many other channels rely on more elaborate ingredient lists or shortcuts.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Five Classic French Mother Sauces with Variations (Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Hollandaise/Béarnaise, Tomato‑Romesco)
32

Five Classic French Mother Sauces with Variations (Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Hollandaise/Béarnaise, Tomato‑Romesco)

Learn to master the five foundational French mother sauces – Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Hollandaise (and its Béarnaise twist) and a classic Tomato sauce with a Romesco twist. Detailed step‑by‑step instructions, tips, troubleshooting, and storage advice make these sauces approachable for home cooks while preserving the professional techniques taught in Michelin‑star kitchens.

2 hrs 25 minServes 6$15
French
Merguez Pasta with Olives and Homemade Tomato Sauce
19

Merguez Pasta with Olives and Homemade Tomato Sauce

A stir-fried fresh pasta dish with spicy merguez, Kalamata olives, parmesan, and a reduced homemade tomato sauce. Quick, flavorful, and with minimal cleanup, perfect for a convivial dinner.

1 hr 10 minServes 3$11
French
Beef Lok Lak with Lemon Sauce, Tomato Fried Rice and Fresh Veggies
19

Beef Lok Lak with Lemon Sauce, Tomato Fried Rice and Fresh Veggies

A classic of Southeast Asian cuisine: tender marinated beef, quickly stir‑fried over high heat, served on tomato‑flavored rice, accompanied by Batavia lettuce, cucumber, tomato and onion, all drizzled with a lightly sweetened lemon sauce. Fast, flavorful and full of crunchy textures.

1 hr 8 minServes 3$10
Cambodian
African Chicken KFC Tomato Sauce
17

African Chicken KFC Tomato Sauce

A spicy tomato sauce with African inspiration, prepared quickly with already cooked KFC chicken. Ideal to accompany basmati rice or other starches. This recipe is perfect for days when you want a flavorful dish without having to cook the chicken yourself.

1 hr 30 minServes 4$13
African
Butter Chicken with Yogurt Marinade and Cashew Tomato Sauce
16

Butter Chicken with Yogurt Marinade and Cashew Tomato Sauce

A richer, creamier take on classic chicken and rice. Chicken thighs are marinated in Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic, and warm Indian spices, then seared and finished in a silky cashew‑tomato sauce. Served over fragrant jasmine or basmati rice and finished with a drizzle of heavy cream and fresh parsley.

1 hr 25 minServes 4$13
Indian
Spaghetti with Beef Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce
16

Spaghetti with Beef Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce

A classic Italian family recipe from Florence: al‑dente square‑cut spaghetti tossed with juicy beef meatballs, a quick tomato‑basil sauce, and generous Parmesan. The meatballs are moistened with soaked stale bread for a tender texture, and the pasta finishes cooking in the sauce for maximum flavor.

57 minServes 3$10
Italian
Mushroom Manti With Garlic Yogurt & Tomato Sauce
61

Mushroom Manti With Garlic Yogurt & Tomato Sauce

A vegetarian twist on Turkish manti made for Lunar New Year. Savory mushroom‑filled dumplings sit on a cool garlicky yogurt base and are topped with a bright, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect for a festive dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.

1 hr 5 minServes 4$21
Turkish
How to Make the Softest Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (No Frying)
103

How to Make the Softest Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (No Frying)

A classic old‑school Italian method for ultra‑tender meatballs cooked directly in a simple tomato‑basil sauce. No frying or baking—just simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 30‑40 minutes for a juicy, flavorful result that can be served as a second course or over pasta.

1 hr 35 minServes 4$30
Italian