Homemade Vodka Sauce

Weeknight dinners are a constant struggle teetering between boring and time consuming. Finding that perfect dish that is easy without feeling repetitive, can be a challenge. Luckily, we have one of our favorite NECM chefs in the kitchen whipping up a homemade vodka sauce with our vegan cauliflower gnocchi & meatballs. Not to fear, Jackie is here to cure your weeknight dinner blues!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Chopped shallots
• 4 Cloves of garlic
• Crushed Red Pepper
• Kosher Salt
• 1/2 Cup Vodka
• 2-3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 28oz of whole san marzano tomatoes (or crushed Italian plum style)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• 1/4 Heavy Cream
• Pre-made meatballs
• Burrata
• Vegan Cauliflower Gnocchi

Directions:

1. Cook meatballs & Gnocchi according to package
2. Melt 1 tbsp of unsalted butter in a large sauce pan⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3. Add 2 chopped shallots and let them sweat in the butter on low heat until translucent (about 5-7 min)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4. Add in 4 cloves of chopped garlic, a pinch of crushed red pepper & heavy pinch of kosher salt. Allow the garlic to get fragrant but not burn (about 60 seconds)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
5. Pour 1/2 cup of vodka into the pan
6. Raise the heat slightly, allow the vodka to burn off for a few minutes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
7. Add 2-3 tbsp of tomato paste, stir⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
8. Pour in 1, 28 ounce can of whole san marzano tomatoes (or crushed italian plum style)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
9. Bring to a simmer and allow to low simmer for 10-15 minutes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
10. Remove from heat and blend together
11. Put back into pan, taste– if too acidic, add another tbsp of butter AND add about 1/4 cup of either light or heavy cream
12. Add meatballs & cauliflower gnocchi to sauce, toss gently for 1-2 mins and top with burrata