PENNE A LA VODKA

The ultimate comfort food is a big bowl of pasta by a roaring fire. I first made this dish a couple of years ago, and since then it is my go-to! Super easy, but such a hit! You can play around with it, adding a spicey Italian sausage or pancetta, or chili powder, but it’s rich without meat, too. The sauce is best used within 3-4 days.

Penne a la vodka sauce:

1 onion

3 cloves of garlic

4 shots of vodka

¼ cup olive oil

1 can tomatoes

3 heaped tablespoons tomato paste

1 qt cream

1 stick of butter

½ Parmesan cheese, grated

optional: Italian sausage, chorizo, basil leaves chopped

Chop the onion and garlic and sweat in olive oil until soft. [If adding meat, do so now]. Pour in vodka, and allow to cook off. Add canned tomatoes, then cream, then tomato paste. Stir until combined. [Add basil if doing so]. Add cheese, stir the butter. Simmer over a low heat, stirring occasionally. Remember to taste, and add salt and pepper if needed. Pour over your choice of pasta(traditionally penne), and pour yourself a glass of deep red, and enjoy!