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!

23 Comments
I love her cooking, her recipes and to hear her talking. Your do very blest to have all these recordings to see sn hear her for many years to come! Beautiful! Thank you!
😊😘😘😘😘😘🤗👏👏👏
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!
Not fair. I believe you should tell us how you have your canned sauce and canned tomatoes.
That is your delicious basis.
And it is many hours of Gina’s know how of the best , hard work
We can do fresh ingredients fine, but there us nothing like home canned tomato and sauce. Cento tries to come close.
Oh ya, i always rinse my hard earned labor with precious water.
Looks so tasty. God bless you grandma!
This is really looks delicious. And by the way we have same name.😊🥰 I'm gina also and you look so beautiful. Please stay safe and healthy grandma Gina🥰🥰🙏
Lovely voice 🥰🥰🥰
Mmmmm this is a classic recipe!! Hey Gina! Do you ever add sugar??
Have a great Canada visit!!
Looks so good. I can almost taste it.
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!❤
Thank you Gina. Brings back warm memories of my Nonna and Mama. Going to buy your book!❤
Mama Gina!! 😊❤ So good to see you. And the sauce looks really good. 😋
Nona Gina you are such an inspiration! ❤️
Good job grandma 👍god bless you ✝️🙏✝️
OMG I miss this amazing bella laica <3
Enjoy your trip to see your sister in Canada!
Thanks for this recipe Gina. I am a Canadian living in Burlington Ontario. Would you be coming anywhere near there? Love your cooking style so much like my mom. Enjoy your visit with your sister
Ciao Miss Gina Ypu look and cook like my mama I miss so. Please take a nap everyday and don’t work too hard also say a Hail Mary for me and I got you. Love ❤️
I love Gina
Have a nice time at your sisters house!