Description

This is a simple, fresh tomato sauce brightened with basil and given an unexpected, delicious twist: a touch of ground cinnamon and a splash of Martini Rosato.
The combination brings warmth, subtle spice and a gentle bittersweet note that lifts the tomatoes without overpowering them.
It’s quick to make, ideal for weeknight meals, and versatile enough to serve with pasta, as a dipping sauce for bread, or alongside mild proteins and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 6 big ripe tomatoes
• 1 sweet onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Martini Rosato
• 1 carrot
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp Maldon salt (or to taste)
• A bunch of fresh basil
• 4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil

Instructions

1. Peel (if you prefer) and finely chop the onion and carrot into small pieces.
2. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and carrot and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Wash and roughly chop the tomatoes, then add them to the pan and stir to combine.
5. Crush or finely chop the garlic and add it to the sauce. Reduce the heat and cook gently for about 3 minutes.
6. Stir in the ground cinnamon and pour in the Martini Rosato, mixing well to combine the flavors.
7. Add the sugar and Maldon salt, then simmer the sauce on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld.
8. Just before serving, tear the fresh basil leaves and fold them into the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes & Serving Suggestions

• The sauce works beautifully with pasta, gnocchi or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. Because of its delicate flavor profile, it pairs well with dishes that don’t have strong seasoning.
• Use the ripest, best-quality tomatoes you can find—organic tomatoes yield the most vibrant flavor.
• Martini Rosato contributes a bittersweet, aromatic note that complements the tomatoes; if you don’t have it, substitute a dry rosé or omit the alcohol and add a splash of balsamic for complexity.
• The cinnamon is subtle; it should add warmth, not make the sauce taste sweet or spiced. Start with the suggested amount and adjust to taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or use cold as a spread on sandwiches.

Other Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition (per serving)

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Martini Rosato add to this tomato sauce?

Martini Rosato brings a gentle bittersweet, aromatic quality that deepens the sauce’s flavor. It pairs especially well with tomato’s natural acidity and the warmth of cinnamon.

Why add cinnamon to a tomato sauce?

A small amount of ground cinnamon introduces a warm, rounded note that enhances the tomatoes and basil without making the sauce taste spicy or sweet. It’s an unusual but subtle way to heighten depth and complexity.

What else can I serve this sauce with?

Beyond pasta, try it with gnocchi, grilled or baked white fish, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for bread and fried appetizers. Keep pairings simple so the sauce remains the star.

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