Marinara from Scratch
Marinara from Scratch is a easy Italian recipe that serves 6. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $8.57 total, $1.43 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 kg Ripe Tomatoes (preferably San Marzano or other plum tomatoes, washed)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin for best flavor)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (peeled and diced)
- 3 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (use a wine you would drink; reduced by half)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (torn or roughly chopped)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Blanch Tomatoes
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a pinch of kosher salt, then plunge the whole tomatoes into the boiling water for 30‑60 seconds until the skins start to blister.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: boiling
Shock and Peel
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and discard them.
Time: PT3M
Core and Dice
Cut out the core of each tomato, then dice the flesh roughly. Transfer to a bowl and mash with a hand masher or the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onions
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a medium‑size saucepan over medium‑low heat. Add the diced onion, sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium‑low
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑low
Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, increase heat to medium, and let it reduce by half, about 5 minutes, stirring to scrape up any bits stuck to the pan.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Combine Tomatoes
Add the mashed tomatoes to the pan, stir in the remaining pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Time: PT1M
Simmer Sauce
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if it looks too dry.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: low
Finish with Basil
Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves and let them wilt for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Sulfites (from wine)
Last updated: April 14, 2026








