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CONDIMENTS AND SAUCES

Vodka Sauce

Vodka sauce is a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce commonly used in Italian-American cuisine. It has gained popularity as a versatile and flavorful topping for pasta dishes, particularly penne alla vodka. Made from a blend of tomatoes, vodka, heavy cream, and various seasonings, this sauce delivers a slight kick from the alcohol without overpowering the dish. The cooking process involves simmering the ingredients together, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld. Vodka sauce can be customized with the addition of ingredients such as garlic, onions, or crushed red pepper, with the end result being a scrumptious, velvety-textured sauce that complements an array of pasta dishes.
#6
IN PASTA SAUCES
184
CAL / 100G
$0.10
AVG / OZ
vodka sauce
19%
CARBS
72%
FAT
9%
PROTEIN
Vodka Sauce FAQ
Popular in Italian-American cuisine, vodka sauce is a creamy, rich, tomato-based sauce best known for its memorable pairing with penne pasta in the dish penne alla vodka. This sauce brings its own unique twist to your traditional tomato or marinara sauce, with vodka and heavy cream transforming it into a luxuriously smooth and flavorful sauce. The vodka works to unlock flavor compounds in the tomatoes that are only soluble in alcohol, enhancing the overall depth of taste. Furthermore, the added cream gives the sauce an exceptional velvety texture. The art of creating vodka sauce lies in achieving the perfect balance between the tomatoes, vodka, and cream. The end result should neither overpower the palate with the taste of alcohol nor become too heavy due to the cream. Cooking with vodka sauce can sometimes trip people up, particularly when simmering the ingredients. It's important to let the alcohol cook off by simmering the sauce for long enough, this is where many may go wrong by not cooking long enough. Another common mistake is adding too much vodka or cream, throwing off the balance. For maximum flavor, you can add extra ingredients such as garlic, onions, or crushed red pepper flakes. It's also beneficial to let the sauce simmer for a while allowing the flavors to merge into a cohesive whole. Some think that homemade vodka sauce is complicated, but in reality, with a few quality ingredients, it's fairly simple to make, and the results are tantalizingly good.
What does vodka add to the sauce?
Does all the alcohol cook off in vodka sauce?
Can I substitute something for vodka in vodka sauce?
Why does my vodka sauce taste too much like vodka?
Why is my vodka sauce too thick or heavy?
Is vodka sauce spicy?
Does vodka sauce go well with other pasta types besides penne?
Can I add protein to my vodka sauce pasta dish?
Is making vodka sauce at home complicated?
Can I make a dairy-free version of vodka sauce?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does vodka sauce expire?
Unopened vodka sauce can last for about 12-18 months if stored in the pantry, while after opening it is safe to consume for about 5-7 days if promptly refrigerated. If stored in the freezer, you can extend its shelf life to about 4-6 months.
How do you tell if vodka sauce is bad?
Be sure to check the texture and smell of the vodka sauce. If it's been stored too long, the sauce might start to darken in color, or have a sour smell. Another indication is if mold appears on the surface. In any such scenario, it's best to discard the sauce.
Tips for storing vodka sauce to extend shelf life
• Always store opened jars of vodka sauce in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor and freshness. Remember: it's a dairy-based product and it's susceptible to spoilage if left at room temperature. • For long-term storage, freezing vodka sauce is a good option. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the container as the sauce will expand when frozen. • If freezing, when it's time to use it again, defrost it slowly in the fridge to prevent separation of ingredients. If separation does occur, a quick whisk or blend can restore its creamy consistency.
EXPIRES WITHIN
10 - 15
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
5g
CARBS
21g
FAT
2g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
KETO
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
GLUTEN FREE
Contains these allergens
MILK
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