Thursday, February 25, 2010

Penne Vodka


The title of this post isnt really true is it? Its more like Farfalle Vodka. Its just the shape that has changed though because it has all the goodness of the penne vodka. The cream, the vodka, the tomatoes... and from there everyone's penne vodka is a little different. The recipes are as varied as the proposed origins of this dish. Some say it came out of Italy, some say America and some say the vodka company, which is in, oh, I dunno, Russia?! (Read more about it here.) It's a good thing, so of course everyone wants to say it was their idea. No disrespect but it really doesn't matter as long as I can make it in my kitchen. Not only can you make it in your kitchen but like most pasta dishes, it's a snap to prepare.

Lori's Farfalle Vodka
interpreted from my friend "D" who got us all hooked on the stuff.
filled with lots of commentary, cause I am part Italian

pasta, any shape, your choice, after all it will be your dish when all is said and done.
1/4 - 3/4 cup vodka (depending on what a lush you are)
4 cups tomato sauce (fresh tomatoes in the summer totally rock this dish)
2 cups chopped ham
1/2 cup to 3/4 cup half and half
3 - 6 tablespoons tomato paste (depending on how thick you like your sauce)
1 1/2 cups peas
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
fresh basil or a spoonful of pesto
parsley, if you are feeling fancy- decorate it

In a large pot boil your pasta. This sauce will cover about a pound of cooked pasta.

In a large skillet, saute onions until soft. Add minced garlic and cook one minute more. Pour in your tomato sauce, ham and vodka and let simmer for about 30 minutes. Add the peas, basil and half and half and let the sauce get warm again. Stir in your pasta and it's ready to serve. Sprinkle with more basil (if you have fresh) and parsley.

15 comments:

chow and chatter said...

oh looks great can't go wrong with pasta never added vodka to it though

Unknown said...

Absolutely love the song Lori~
Pasta looks good too " )

kat said...

Tomato vodka sauce is one of our favorites too.

ann low said...

Oh Lori, I must bookmark this! Want to take a look at my Drunken Chicken ;DD

♥Sugar♥Plum♥Fairy♥ said...

Deliciously good pasta Lori...love this one....

The Blonde Duck said...

I don't care where it comes from--I want to make it!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

LOL, this is gonna sound dumb but I didn't really think there was vodka in there. My kids will love this! They think it's cool when recipes call for alcohol, more grown up. :)

Thanks for sharing YOUR recipe. I'm gonna give it a try.
~ingrid

grace said...

pasta, peas, and pork--that's an unbeatable combination. great dish--i love the sauce!

Maria said...

I am always up for a good pasta dish!

Taste of Beirut said...

This is an excellent pasta dish that I had my eye on for years. I wonder now why I never made it! Thanks for reminding me!

Mary Bergfeld said...

I love that this is so easy to do. I love tomato vodka sauce and this one sounds exceptionally delicious.

Murasaki Shikibu said...

Sounds delicious Lori. I even have all the ingredients. hmmm....

Lucy..♥ said...

One of my favorite sauces, and it can cover any pasta.. yum!!

Katy ~ said...

Of all the pasta I've ever eaten I've never had it with vodka. Now I keep vodka in the cabinet for those 3x a year I have a little drinky pooh, but have never cooked with it. You know, I think I may just have to dust off the bottle and try this. It sounds very good!

Kaitlin said...

This looks so great and comforting!