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vodka sauce what is it

Vodka Sauce: A Spirited Twist on Italian Cuisine

Are you ready for a culinary adventure that’s as irresistible as it is unexpected? Welcome to the world of vodka sauce, a spirited twist to traditional Italian cuisine. Strap in as we get into the details of this delicious sauce and whip up a recipe that’s sure to taste as amazing as it sounds. 

What Exactly is Vodka Sauce?

Okay, let’s dive right in. Vodka sauce may sound like a saucy drink, but Vodka Sauce is actually a creamy, tomato-based pasta sauce with a unique and slightly boozy kick. Originating from Italian-American cuisine, its mystique lies in the addition of vodka, which adds depth of flavor and a subtle warmth to the dish. Despite its name, vodka sauce doesn’t taste strongly of alcohol – instead, it enhances the rich flavors of tomatoes, cream, and herbs, resulting in a velvety, indulgent sauce that’s simply irresistible.

The Legend Behind the Sauce

Legend has it that vodka sauce was born out of a happy accident in the kitchen of an Italian-American chef. While experimenting with various ingredients, the chef decided to add a splash of vodka to a traditional tomato sauce, hoping to impart a unique flavor. The result? A culinary masterpiece that quickly became a beloved favorite among pasta enthusiasts worldwide.

Recipe: How to make Absolut Vodka Sauce

Now, we’re sure all of this is making you a little hungry and maybe curious to try it out for your next pasta night. So, let’s dive into creating our own version of this delectable sauce, infused with the smooth and crisp taste of Absolut vodka.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Absolut vodka
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Cooked pasta of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Pour in the Absolut vodka and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken further.
  5. Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  6. Serve the vodka sauce over cooked pasta of your choice, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

There you have it – a dash of excitement for your next pasta night with this deliciously unexpected vodka sauce — after all, life’s too short for boring meals. To find the perfect pairing visit absolutdrinks.com

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Wondering which cocktails to make for brunch? Leave it to Elyse!

In this episode of Absolut Drinks With Elyse, we’re gonna show you how to make 4 of the party queen’s favorite brunch sippers! From classic Bloody Marys and Mimosas to new and exciting drinks like the Absolut Lime Cucumber Highball and the Paloma Shandy, these drinks are sure to impress and delight your guests at brunch! Let’s get into it!

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