Talk of Italian cuisine and the first thing that comes to your mind is pasta. Not only Italians but also millions of other people round the world relish pasta and there is just no limit to the ways in which pastas can be cooked to gratify the taste buds.
Pastas come in myriad of shapes-lasagna (large, flat sheets), fettuccine (strips), spaghetti (long strings), fusilli (spiral), rigatoni (long, hollow tubes with ridges), farfalle (bow-ties) etc. These are cooked to perfection in various mouth-watering, rich sauces of choice- arrabbiata (spicy tomato sauce), alfredo (sauce consisting of cream, butter and parmesan cheese), pesto (fresh basil and parmesan cheese sauce), Neapolitana (rich tomato sauce consisting of fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil) and various cream sauces to name a few.
One of the pasta recipes that is bound to catch the attention of any epicure is Vodka Rigatoni.Yes, you have read it correctly a preparation that involves two of the most desired food elements- Italian pasta served in vodka sauce. Vodka is one of the most popular and highly consumed distilled beverages in the world. This extension of use of vodka in an Italian pasta recipe is quite exceptional and will appeal to people who love to experiment with their food. The recipe makes use of prosciutto (a type of cured Italian ham) and the sauce for vodka rigatoni consists of a variety of ingredients such as fresh parsley, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, cream, garlic, black pepper in addition to vodka.
Many food critics though would argue that vodka being tasteless except for a few flavored varieties would not as such contribute to the flavor of the sauce. Nevertheless, there is no harm in trying out this variation and even enjoying it. After all it’s a matter of individual choice and tastes. So go ahead and dare to try this brilliant culinary delight.
Image: Hormel
Source: Slashfood
