Tomato-Cream Penne with Vodka

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Tomato-Cream Penne with Vodka
Sweet Potato Ravioli
Creamy Sage-Whiskey Sauce

Book Description

Vegetarian cookbooks often conjure up images of bland and unsatisfying food. No longer! Vegetarian Comfort Food features all of your favourite comfort foods, just like Mom used to make. Need some warmth on a cold winter day? Try the vegetarian version of stew -- so tasty, warm and filling you'll forget what's missing.

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Vegetarian Comfort Food: Meals Like Mom Makes, Without the Meat

Authors: Jennifer Warren

Date: November 2001

ISBN: 155285261X

Publisher: Whitecap Books

Paperback

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Tomato-Cream Penne with Vodka
Recipe from: Vegetarian Comfort Food
by Jennifer Warren
Cookbook Heaven at Recipelink.com

This dish, officially known as Penne alla Vodka, is a staple on the menus of many posh Italian restaurants. The rose sauce, however, is traditionally made with cream, which can taste extremely rich and make you feel a bit queasy afterwards. This version solves the richness dilemma by substitute evaporated milk for cream.

Serves 4-6

2 (28 oz) (796 ml) cans peeled whole tomatoes, drained
2 cups 2% evaporated milk (250 ml)
2 tbsp. Olive oil (30 ml)
8 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp salt (5 ml)
1 tsp basil (5 ml)
1/2 tsp. oregano (2.5 ml)
2 tbsp vodka (30 ml)
1 lb. Dried penne (450 g)
freshly ground black pepper

Puree the tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add the evaporated milk and blend until combined.
Put a large pot of salted water on to boil for the pasta.
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, deep skillet or wok – either way, make sure it’s large enough to hold the tomato mixture. add the garlic and sauté for a minute or two - don't let the garlic brown. Add the tomato mixture and simmer, stirring occasionally. Don't be concerned if the sauce turns a but foamy - this will disappear as it thickens. If the sauce starts to sputter, turn down the heat.
After about 15 minutes of simmering, add the salt, basil and oregano, crushing them between your fingers as you add them to bring out the flavours. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Add the penne to the pot of boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain.
While the pasta is cooking, the sauce will have turned orange and should have reduced by about half. If it has not reached this much, continue to simmer for about 5 minutes or so.
Stir in the vodka and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle over the penne in shallow bowls.

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