Italian Grandma Makes Chunky Marinara Sauce

CHUNKY MARINARA SAUCE:
3 tablespoons olive oil (approx.)
½ cup chopped yellow onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 quart peeled tomatoes*
1 quart tomato purée
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dry oregano
¼ cup fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dry basil)
Add red hot pepper flakes if desired
*If a smooth sauce is desired, replace the 1 quart peeled tomatoes with a second quart of tomato purée.
COOKBOOK: "Cooking with Grandma Gina" is available on Amazon in Paperback and eBook. Recipes in cookbook are based on videos released prior to March 2021.
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FAQ:
Who is this lady?
Gina Petitti was born in 1935 in Faeto, Italy. It is in the province of Foggia in the Puglia region of southeast Italy. Her family ran a farm in Italy and she met her husband, Vito, in the same town. In 1970 Gina, Vito, and her 4 children immigrated to America. Gina’s husband passed away in 2012, but she is surrounded by a large family, which includes 9 grandchildren, and lives 5 minutes away from her eldest daughter in New Jersey. Gina enjoys making food for her family in the same old fashion ways as she was taught by her mother and grandmother in Italy, and also new things she has subsequently learned from family and friends in America. She also enjoys gardening, and being an active member of her local Church.
Where does Gina get her recipes?
Most of these recipes are from what she learned growing up in Italy, but some of them have evolved over time. She has also learned new recipes from friends and family in America. She is always eager to try new things.
Why is no one helping her in the video?
Grandma Gina doesn’t want help! Usually, it’s because we will slow her down or not do it “her way.” For the videos we only show her, but when the camera cuts we jump in and help form the cookies or prep for the next step.
Why don’t we buy her a new...?
Grandma Gina has a closet and garage full of new gadgets, spoons, forks, pots, etc… but she doesn’t like them because she is used to doing it with her old tools. She has fun getting her hands dirty!
Who is behind the camera and behind the scenes?
Grandma Gina’s retired son-in-law, Nick, does the filming, editing, production, and channel management. Her daughter, Maria, helps with food preparation, kitchen setup and fan support. Also, Grandma Gina usually has one or two grand-kids in the kitchen to help.
Does Gina read the comments?
We print out and show her how much love she gets from all her viewers, and she is very thankful and hopes you enjoy her cooking! Your comments bring her lots of joy, laughter, and inspiration to make more videos to share with you.
Thank you for watching, we hope you subscribe, and we will see you in our next video!

[@tammym110]

We were headed out the door and I told my husband that I am still watching this video. After you said that's it, my husband said okay the video is over let's go. I said it isn't over until Mrs Gina sings. Then you sang and it made my heart happy. Thank you for the video and I am going to try this recipe. I am so happy that you get to see your sister. Enjoy every single minute with her.

[@sO_RoNerY]

Kay.

[@cheriespitzer7382]

Gina not only are you a blessing to your family but all of your viewers are blessed to be able to watch you spread your love through your recipes. Enjoy visiting with your sister in Canada. Be safe and come home to us when you are ready❤️❤️❤️

[@pennypeyton1908]

Amen!! 🥰❤️🤗

[@TheMixClub]

I worked with my friend that had a restaurant in the states. Bigiao was from Sicily. What a fun time working in the kitchen with him. Lots of yelling we had a big language barrier. He moved to the states when he was 15 and is now 87. We would sit every night and have a drink and talk about home. Im 56 now and i was 14 when i started helping him. to this day he is the best friend i have... But boy did we have some yelling matches in the kitchen. One of the big ones was when i put orange juice in the spaghetti sauce i was only 15 lol like that matters but thought is was a good idea. I thought the folks would like it. During lock down we ate so well. I still recalled how to cook. and as im taking care of mom and i was home. They House smelled like heaven every day. fresh bread. and pasta.. Oh the fun we had making pizza. He stoped over to visit in 2018 and we made a pizza. it took forever and and i was taking it out of the oven it slipped and fell cheese side down.. OMG the first words out of his mouth was son na ma B.... he never could say my name Rhett To Bigiao is was RAT.. lol i i still hear about that every day.. and the time he cought me and his boy smoking weed and hideing behind the bar drinking his wine we where pob 15 years old.. He was throwing a party for the mayor of our town... lol Opps....

[@clionamm]

Funny stories! What great memories you must have of that time, and your friend. Hope you get to make many more with him.

[@TheMixClub]

@@clionamm Me too he's a trip. They broke the mold when they made him... lol

[@markcummings6856]

Wow, great story. Thanks for sharing.

[@not-pc6937]

Beautiful memories with a great friend 😁

[@carolethivierge2549]

@@clionamm 99⁹i

[@truth_teller_tn]

We just started watching her, and we love her. Her singing in Italian is a special treat. God love her.

[@levensonaviatorslantanafl-2290]

Missing Emma Biccinella Guarneiri “Gram” from Palermo, Sicilia.. she taught us how to make pasta, sauce, escarole, stuffed artichokes.. she worked until she was 86 and lived to 94 .. now she’s interceding for us in heaven .. God Bless a Italian Grandma’s 💜

[@m.katherinelamont1873]

Gina is just purely magical, her sweetness is such powerful medicine for the soul!

[@tomc.7520]

"Medicine for the soul." Thank you, thats the phrase I've been looking for to describe how this channel makes me feel. Such an easy lady to love. I think tens of thousands of us feel this way.

[@carolethivierge2549]

@@tomc.7520 l87

[@gollons]

Oh how I love this woman and her videos. Can't get enough. I could taste and smell this marinara through my screen! Much love....

[@CB-vt4ic]

The smile and pure joy radiating off of your face Grandma Gina when you spoke of visiting your sister in Canada brought such happiness to my heart ❤️. Enjoy your vacation and thank you for brightening my day!

[@jennyprorock]

Every day that beautiful Gina posts a video, is a great day..we love you Nonna Gina! God bless 💜

[@debpearce3786]

I love the half italian half english. Love learning authentic dishes a true italian cook!!

[@clearwatervalleythrift3443]

My Nona would rinse her canned jars with water too and add it to sauce when cooking. I hadn’t thought about that in years until I saw Gina do it. A sweet memory 💜💜💜

[@kerstinwagner7975]

Bei mir ist das von Mama programmiert .... Sparsamkeit und kein Essen wegwerfen. 🙂

[@BellPrepper]

Same with mine. I do it too. It’s the little things that remind us of our loved ones 😊

[@lyndacaira1735]

Our Nonna’s wouldn’t waste a drop of anything, mine did the same!

[@rosanna3714]

@@lyndacaira1735Mine did the same and so do I

[@catherineannelockman3805]

I always do it...just like my mom did...

[@denisemarshall2423]

I just can't explain the way it feels to watch your videos, Gina. Your recipes are wonderful, but listening to you makes my heart happy. Thank you.

[@tamaharper9856]

Oh my, Gina, my grandma would do the same thing. Our family to this day eats good bread with sauce poured over it in a bowl. Made me cry happy tears. You are so wonderful!

[@deborahjordan9688]

I just love Gina she is so sweet always cheerful her love for cooking for her family shines through blessings and her singing is outstanding. Hope she has a wonderful time ether sister ♥️♥️♥️

[@karinaemelie1665]

Agree❤🧡❤👏👏👏😊

[@Waffles84]

We love ❤️ you so much Nona Gina. Your recipes are wonderful and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing this with us and the love ❤️ you put into your cooking for your family!!!!!

[@kalliopielock]

Need a volume 2 of her cookbook. The first one is my cooking Bible. I made so many delicious things from it!

[@MotorcycleImaging]

As a Canadian, I hope you enjoy our country and visit with your sister. I love your recipes.

[@adamways9373]

Hi, have you though about selling Mrs. Gina, homemade jar tomato puree and whole tomatoes? With nearly a million subscribers I'm sure enough of use would be interested in ordering her sauce. I know for one I will sure purchase your sauce if it was for sell. I spend over $150 on San Marzano sauce and puree. Let me know if you would ship and I'll purchase a large order. And Thanks for sharing you Grandmother with the world! She has become apart of our family Italian cooking memories!

[@lisasabia305]

I was wondering the same! I would buy Grandma Gina's sauce in a heartbeat. I hope this is something she's thinking about doing

[@mayanferdinandrobertson3569]

Mama I missed seeing your and hearing your beautiful voice ❤️You are my Italian granny 🙏

[@MrCorvettegirl2]

Good Morning Ms Gina It’s been a while so good to see you 💜 Your home made marinara sauce looks delicious I love basil also I’m sure your familia enjoys very much !!! oh so yummy for sure 👍 My husband Charles is now on dialysis 3 days a week & when he’s having his treatments I go to hospice thrift store & help out … He’s doing better thank God 🙏 The holidays are upon us & I feel blessed to share with our family & friends ❤ Best wishes Brenda

[@russellrobinson505]

My lady's name is Brenda too! Sending you some extra love especially for those days that get rough for you and your man!💖🤗

[@MrCorvettegirl2]

@@russellrobinson505 Thanks so much We appreciate your kindness !!!

[@gingermcgarvey7773]

My favorite way to eat sauce is on bread. Sometimes, I crush saltine crackers in a mug add sauce and cheese. Weird? Maybe but so good. Prayers for your safe travel. Enjoy!🙏❤️🤍💙

[@karinaemelie1665]

No weird 😉 I take sometimes saltine crackers and tap in a mugg add sauce with parmesan, provance herbs and tomatecream. 🙂😋

[@tonitrujillo8309]

Gina, do you plan on making a second cookbook? I I bought your first one when it first came out and I'm so ready for a second one! You should even autograph the copies! I hope your family knows what a treasure you and your cooking truly are!

[@charmc4152]

Her family knows.... That's why they are preserving her cooking techniques and recipes here. Lucky us! We get to share a little bit of their family's treasure by learning their Italian grandma's recipes and techniques too! Heartfelt thanks! 😊💕

[@Kumi_cooking]

こんにちは 私は日本に住んでいる日本人です じーなの料理が好きです 材料が手に入るとじーなのレシピを参考にして料理しています 今日はこの動画を見て 作りました パンにつけて 食べましたよ 夕食はパスタを作ります 元気で楽しい動画を見ると幸せな気分になります

[@GiftWrapped]

I just love Grandma Gina🌡🌡🌡📢🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅🍞🍅

[@lyndacaira1735]

Cara Nonna Gina-i hope you have a great time with your sister in Canada! But please don’t make us wait countless weeks before we see you again! Ero così ansiosa di vederti! Tanti Baci😘❤️

[@maribeth307]

My sweet Gina, I still watch you all the time. I used to leave you comments from Loveland, Colorado, but now I'm in Naples, Florida. I love all your recipes...today and yesterday... you're still the best in my book. Hugs to you. Maribeth from Naples

[@saltairandsanddunes]

Grandma you are an amazing person and an amazing cook. Enjoy your time with your sister. Love you!! ❤️

[@gidget146]

Thank you for your videos Gina! I ordered your cookbook & excited for its arrival. My Italian grandma has long passed away & I’ve always felt badly I never had the opportunity to cook with her or learn her Italian cooking secrets. I have adopted you instead! I love your recipes! God bless!❤️🙏❤️

[@karinaemelie1665]

Good idea 🙂👏👏👏

[@ONLYGOODleftistisaDEADleftist]

Mrs. Pettiti comes from the Great Generation and knows that "Waste NOT Want NOT," is not just a motto!

[@jhosk]

I love this lady, she reminds me of my grandmother, she needs a big hug!

[@mcbeed2770]

Gramma Gina, you are a Blessing. Thank you to you & Family for all you do .Many Blessings 😇🤗🐾🐾

[@theresamimnaugh1190]

I’m so glad to see a new video! Just yesterday I was thinking of you and hoping we’d hear from you soon❣️ This is another good one from Grandma Gina. Love you❤

[@gloriakorsgen134]

Gina you’re a beautiful soul and a true blessings.

[@melindaroth5796]

YAY GINA, I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU DO. SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU. FATHER GOD BLESS YOU GINA AND YOUR FAMILY IN JESUS NAME 🙏 I LOVE YOU GINA 💘

[@terririccobuono4492]

Love this. Beautiful lady, can watch her. All day long

[@lucdeslauriers1021]

Chère madame. Je cherche les mots pour vous remercier de partager aussi généreusement vos recettes!

[@denissemedina2574]

I love nonna Gina. ❤️ I'm going to try to make my own puree. We dont have San Marzano tomatoes here in México, but I'll try to do the puree with the tomatoes we have here because I want to make my own marinara sauce from scratch. 🤩 Thank you nonna for all your recipes.

[@marrinepettrou9137]

Thank you grandma Gina, you are so sweet, I hope you have a very nice vacation with your sister..! Love you 💖💖🇬🇷

[@starkell5153]

Happy vacation! Looks like my grandmas sauce. Delicious.

[@sissinoklahoma2057]

Thank you! Lovely!! Enjoy your visit with your sister!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@VGuyFawkes]

It´s a blessing for my soul to watch Gina. She remembers me of my nonna and it´s fantastic.

[@gijoemolinaro]

Watching nonna Gina is literally like watching my mum ...we're from Benevento ...God bless her always ,I love her like her I love my mum Issa nysa it's nice lol people lap up these videos because this generation won't be repeated ...this lot won't be repeated ....

[@guidafernandes1393]

From Toronto Canada Hi we love you Gina God bless you and your family 💚🕊️🇨🇦

[@miriamzajfman4305]

Your sauce is so simple and good !👌😋. I am from Canada ,Montreal - enjoy your visit with your sister !🙋‍♀💌

[@Angelofmcy]

Our favorite Italian restaurant changed hands and it's just not the same. No worries since I have Gina's recipes to cook! Best Marinara Sauce ever. I use it for everything Italian! Thank you, Gina!

[@henrysteppel2031]

Everything dish you cook has love in it. We all love Gina fantástica 👍👍😘😘

[@roberterickson9885]

Greetings Gina You are such an inspiration Your joy and enthusiasm are infectious Keep on Gods abundant blessings to you and your family Safe travels🙏 Thanks for sharing recipes with So much love Hugs Judy

[@phillully4472]

Grandma Gina, Your Tomatoe Sauce looked so good I could almost smell it where I am. Everybody should have a Grandma Gina teach them how to fix great food Italian style.

[@angelinamancuso2282]

Our family love you so much from here in Canada Grandma Gina! 🙏🏻❤️ I bought your cookbook for my daughter and she loves it! I wish we could meet you and get your autograph ✍🏼 for the Book and give you a big hug 🤗 Thank you so much for your fantastic shows, your Book, your love and your singing Italian songs! God Bless you 🙏🏻❤️

[@GB-ug5pc]

It’s amazing how all Italian Grandmas made sauce the same way! I remember (50 plus years ago) waking up on Sunday mornings to the strong scent of sautéing garlic and onions, and then - voila - the scent turned deliciously rich when the tomatoes went in the pot! A little while later, my Grandma or mom would put a little sauce and grated cheese on a slice of bread for me…what a treat! God Bless Grandma Gina…you make all the memories of my dear Grandma and mom come back to life!❤

[@whatsmamacookin4us]

Gina your Marinara looks perfect! Safe travels and have a wonderful visit with your sister.❤Thank you for sharing all your recipes with the world.

[@lovethepandainyou]

I am a 30 years old man and one of my biggest regret was to never properly ask my grandma how to cook. She didn't agree back then, because it was a mother's thing for her. Still, reading the faq section makes me happy for Gina and wish my grandma had the same experience. Love to you all.

[@ChristineBeeeeee]

Thank you Chef Gina! I love when you sing! ❤️ 🇮🇹 🍝

[@karinaemelie1665]

😊👏👏👏 yes

[@jleetxgirl]

Thank you, Gina! Everyone loves you and your food videos❤️💖❤️‍🔥

[@yatnme]

We just got the book! I love the pictures of the family! And we are cooking our way through the book. Made Italian wedding soup tonight. God bless! And keep singing :)❤

[@johncipriano3627]

I just have to write and say how much I enjoy watching Your food videos, I have been cooking since I was a little boy watching my Grandmother and Mother cooking all our favorite Italian dishes in the house I grew up in, You and I make the same recipes in the same way.

[@clarahill1655]

Good morning Gina..So good to see you..thanks for sharing. GOD BLESS..

[@anikahonaker5712]

My marinara obsession is off the charts.. I was HOPING she would show us hers!! Thanks so much!!!

[@vivellaz]

When I was a child we had an Italian record with the song you sang, Casetta in Canada. I used to sing along as a 5 year old. Thsnk you Gina, always love your cooking.

[@evelynandersson2368]

Buonasera mama Gina, I love you and thanks for reminding me of how wonderful the food taste when you make the marinara sauce. Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family. Dio vi Benedict! Ciao

[@atouchofyaz4876]

I wish Gina was my nonna! Love & blessings to you guys

[@linda-maryvatcher5084]

Hi GINA wow I love you singing and I will make this recipe for sure have a nice day god bless you and your family hugs and kisses ❤😊😘😘🙏

[@zeppmom]

This shows that making your own sauce is possible! I feel so inspired! Going to make this for SURE! It's been a dire of mine! Thanks for making it look easy!!

[@italishgirl5601]

I have your cookbook, but I prefer to watch you cook and teach… you are priceless🇮🇹❤️

[@markcummings6856]

You’re such a joy. Enjoy your time with your sister.

[@rosagriffis3036]

I’m glad you get to see your sister, you enjoy , we like to meet her maybe she can help in a cooking with you. Love u God bless you.

[@futuredirected]

My people come from the mountains of Campania, about 100km south of Your hometown. We use olive olio, onion, garlic, green pepper, and carrot, tomato paste, wine - then the rest is like Yours. So good! Buon Appetito, Nonna Gina!

[@victordepaul1061]

So simple yet delicious. Thanks for stopping by Nona Gina.🥰🥰

[@jeannemarietodak5103]

Thank you Grandma Gina! Luv you❤️❤️❤️

[@jims1942]

I have watched this video, and many other of your videos several times over, and I love watching you cook just as much each and every time I see it! I have learned a lot from you Grandma Gina. THANK YOU! 😍 ❤

[@italishgirl5601]

Gina you’re looking great!!!! God bless you and all your loved ones🙏❤️🙏❤️🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@k.p.1139]

Thanks you,Ms. Gina! I am so happy for you getting to see your sister. Prayers for a safe and happy journey.

[@johnpowell8737]

I absolutely adore you Ms. Gina.

[@cathyconklin5135]

I love your book ❤️🙏

[@maryb7840]

I think it’s so wonderful you record and have this channel with your Grandma! You will never lose her wonderful recipes! Miss Gina you are the best and a wonderful cook! I love all your videos!

[@kyosei-jy9qq]

La cucina di mamma sembra sempre deliziosa. Voglio andare a mangiare dal Giappone ^_^🎉❤

[@sandyrice3559]

Buongiorno, Nonna Gina! It's wonderful how a few simple ingredients, put together with a lot of love, can turn into something delicious! Thank you for sharing your recipes ❤️

[@Jade-pq9lk]

everyone loves Gina. I do. Every video turns my day around . Enjoy your vacation with your sister .💝💖🧡

[@gavinthor4479]

Pretty much how mom taught me - except the basil was dried flakes, and she added red pepper flakes as well. Can't beat homemade. Thanks for sharing.

[@contessajones5619]

I made your chicken Francese recipe yesterday and although delicious it took time. Although I cook from scratch daily, my dishes are quick & hearty. It wasn’t until I cooked your chicken that I realized how much love and attention goes into your meals. It made me stop and enjoy & be grateful to the process. Grazie Mille, Nonna!

[@lindisandersson8130]

I hope you have a great time with your sister! Loved the video, as always!

[@sh3wh0is]

Dear Gina, how I wish I was Italian and you were my Nona ☺️❤ I love to watch your videos!

[@lindadobranetski6302]

Nonna Gina you are an inspiration my dad when he immigrated to this country from Italy he would love to cook up meals for us, he loved to cook fo the neighborhood kids too.

[@lenasuliman8019]

We love you, mama Gina

[@tatianazuban660]

Dear Gina, thank you very much for sharing your time and memories, you bring smile and some joy in life in these hard times!!

[@christineortmann359]

Yeah! I have garden tomatoes to use up 😁❤️ Love your videos and cookbook. Blessings to everyone.

[@Mary-sd6bo]

Gina, have a safe and happy visit with your sister....maybe you could do a little video in your visit to show us....

[@elizabethkusce2718]

Happiness to you and your sister, I live in Canada too. Great song Gina to your sister

[@debbim4172]

Nona Gina, I still make my sauce the same way as you( passed down from my mom and her mom ❤) So many wonderful ways to use! My favorite is still when my dad and I would sneak into the kitchen with our bread and make “ sauce sandwiches “ until we got caught and shooed out of the kitchen ❤️😊❤️. Such warm and wonderful memories! My Nona, Mom and Dad are all gone now but these recipes and memories remain always in my heart😊. I love sharing with friends and neighbors too Bon Appetito!

[@michellealms3238]

Gina I enjoy you so much!!❤❤ from Minnesota!! Stay well and thanks for teaching us about life, cooking and love!! You are a blessing to everyone!!

[@melodylynd4917]

Hi Momma Gina! Love you and love your book!! Everyone....please buy the book....it will not disappoint!!!♥️🕯

[@carolblackler9386]

Hello Gina 💐. Long time no see. Thanks for such a lovely recipe 😋😊😋. Enjoy your visit with your sister and stay safe ❤️😚💗.

[@amygardiner3795]

God bless you Grandma! I just love you. You are so special and a joy to the world. I just ordered your cookbook. Sending hugs! ❤

[@estherr6050]

It's nice to see again grandma Gina!! God bless you today and always. 😊

[@taniamunoz6088]

Very sweet Gina 😋 You explain very well

[@pamelapetrosino4437]

Hi Gina! My mouth is watering!! Your sauce looks delicious! I hope you have a wonderful trip with your sister! So happy for you!

[@giselle282]

I love you Gina! So glad you made a book. I will get it. That’s the same recipe my landlady gave me. Delicious!

[@jolenemudra4971]

Have a good time visiting with your sister, Mrs. Gina! I love your videos and I learn so much. You are so sweet and I wish you safe travels and a fun time! Thank you for all you do!!

[@mushiebrack8535]

Gina, I bought your book! Can't wait to try the soups. Your recipes are so simple to make even I can follow them!! God bless from Australia xxx

[@Seriouscookie]

Bella Gina - Even though I already know how to make this, I love to watch you and always hope you will sing for us!