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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Combine Tomatoes

    Add the mashed tomatoes to the pan, stir in the remaining pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

    Time: PT1M

  8. 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

  9. 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

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Marinara from Scratch

Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN

A classic, slow‑simmered tomato sauce made from fresh, in‑season tomatoes. The tomatoes are blanched, peeled, and mashed, then combined with sweet pan‑roasted onions, garlic, white wine, and fresh basil for a bright, aromatic sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or any dish that needs a rich tomato base.

EasyItalianServes 6

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

Source Video
13m
Prep
46m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 9m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.57
Total cost
$1.43
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blanching and shocking the tomatoes to peel them easily
  • Reducing the white wine to concentrate flavor
  • Simmering the sauce without letting it stick

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot pot of boiling water; steam can cause burns.
  • Be careful when sautéing garlic; it can burn quickly and become bitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Tomato sauce, or "sugo di pomodoro," became a staple of Italian cooking after the tomato was introduced from the New World in the 16th century. By the 19th century, slow‑cooked tomato sauces were central to regional dishes from Naples to Bologna, embodying the Italian values of simplicity, seasonality, and respect for fresh ingredients.

cultural
Q

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

A

In Southern Italy, especially Naples, the sauce is often made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, cooked quickly. In the North, you may find additions like butter, carrots, or pancetta, creating a richer "ragù" style. The basic "marinara" remains a simple blend of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

cultural
Q

How is homemade tomato sauce traditionally served in the Campania region of Italy?

A

In Campania, the sauce is typically tossed with al dente spaghetti or used as a base for pizza Napoletana. It is served hot, often finished with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of Pecorino Romano, though the cheese is optional for vegans.

cultural
Q

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

A

Tomato sauce is a year‑round staple, but it shines during family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive meals such as Christmas or Easter when large pots of pasta are shared. It also appears in regional festivals celebrating the tomato harvest, like the "Festa del Pomodoro" in Southern Italy.

cultural
Q

What makes this homemade tomato sauce special compared to store‑bought versions?

A

This sauce uses freshly blanched and peeled tomatoes, a slow pan‑roast of onions for natural sweetness, and a white‑wine reduction that adds depth without artificial additives. The result is a bright, aromatic sauce free from preservatives, excess sodium, and added sugars common in commercial jars.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the garlic (it burns and becomes bitter), not reducing the wine enough (leaving a harsh alcohol taste), and letting the sauce sit unattended, causing it to stick and scorch at the bottom. Also, adding too much salt early can mask the fresh tomato flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe reduce the white wine by half instead of adding it straight to the sauce?

A

Reducing the wine concentrates its acidity and fruity notes while evaporating the alcohol, which prevents a raw wine flavor and helps the sauce develop a balanced, nuanced taste. Adding wine un‑reduced would leave the sauce too sharp and watery.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate. For longer storage, freeze in portion‑size bags for up to two months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sauce is done cooking?

A

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, with a deep ruby‑red color and a glossy sheen. The tomatoes will have broken down, but you should still see small bits of flesh for a rustic texture.

technical
Q

How do I know when the homemade tomato sauce is done cooking?

A

When the sauce has reduced by about one‑third, the liquid has evaporated, and the flavors have melded (you’ll notice a sweeter, less acidic taste), it is done. A quick taste test should reveal balanced seasoning and a velvety mouthfeel.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, emphasizing fresh seasonal ingredients, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and practical tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

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

A

COOKING WITH SHEREEN blends traditional Italian techniques with a home‑cook perspective, often using readily available grocery‑store ingredients and simplifying classic methods (like blanching tomatoes) without sacrificing authentic flavor, whereas many other channels may rely on specialty items or more advanced equipment.

channel

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