Spicy Vodka Sauce

Name: Spicy Vodka Sauce
Yield: Makes 3½ cups
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small sweet onion, chopped; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup vodka; 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes; ¾ cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional); 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; Hot cooked pasta; Fresh basil sprigs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil sprigs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation info

Makes
3½
cups

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Tomatoes

By Julia Rutland

Published 2021

About

Adding vodka (or another alcohol) helps release flavors in a simple cooked tomato sauce. It also helps to emulsify the fats and liquids, improving the texture. If you prefer to skip the vodka, you can substitute ⅓ cup water with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Serve with hot cooked pasta such as penne, gemelli, or another short noodle.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small sweet onion, chopped
½ teaspoon

Sauce
Vegetarian

Method

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until tender.

Stir in garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Add vodka. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute or until most of the liquid evaporates.

Stir in tomatoes, cream, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring mixture to a b