Vodka sauce is a creamy and flavorful pasta sauce that typically includes vodka, tomatoes, cream, and various seasonings. It’s a popular choice for pasta dishes, especially penne alla vodka. Here’s a basic recipe to make vodka sauce:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Vodka: Pour in the vodka and simmer for about 3-5 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is well combined. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Optional Parmesan Cheese: If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to add extra richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the vodka sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Serve: Serve the vodka sauce over cooked pasta of your choice, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves if desired.
Vodka sauce is versatile and can be used in various pasta dishes. It’s creamy, slightly tangy from the vodka, and has a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. Enjoy this classic Italian-American sauce as a delicious and comforting meal.