PENNE alla VODKA

Epicurean Exploits - Food and Recipes
1

I am surprised, this dish is really YUM YUM. The Vodka gives a nice earthy touch to the pasta. Fair to say, in contrast to other famous italian pasta dishes here we have modern pasta version. Invented in the 60s or 70s in Rome influenced by the Vodka industry I guess. We have the same in France with for example “Tartiflette” by the cheese industry.

http://www.wineberserkers.com/content/?p=3178


ENJOY,
Martin

2

Funny was just having a discussion about PAV the other day with someone. I maintain that the half cup or so of vodka adds NOTHING to the flavor of the sauce since Vodka has no flavor to begin with (it can be smooth or sharp but does not have flavor). It’s a tomato/cream sauce…

3

Think you’re wrong there TS. Tomatoes have alcohol soluble flavor components if memory serves.

4

The trick is not to add the Vodka to the sauce, instead to add it to the pasta like I did. Anyway, it is obvious to me that there is a nice special flavor at this pasta dish.

BTW, there was some leftover yesterday with little or almost no sauce, still the pasta has this special flavor. I like!

5

I am a fan of Penne alla Vodka, so I will try this recipe, thanks!

6

So I’m kinda wrong:

I do think it adds very little to the sauce as there is enough else going on with the rich cream & tomato flavors to notice but hey it’s a free country…

7

Again, the Vodka flavor is in the pasta. I didn`t add the Vodka to the sauce. Anyway, make your own judgment and cook this lovely dish.

8

Martin, as always, thank you for your enthusiasm and positive energy.

Another classic dish.

I agree about the enhanced flavor profile.

For the nay sayers, try lemon zest soaked in water vs. soaked in spirits and tell me about the difference it can make, alone, or in a sauce!

Same goes for vanilla, etc.

The vodka makes for a brief/small extract experience that is different from the same dish without!

[cheers.gif]

Martin, if you make paella, try some vodka in your sofrito!

We even keep a saffron extract we make with Everclear and saffron to add to dishes. Delish!