This vegan twist on the Italian American classic gives you all the rich creaminess of the original without any actual cream. Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper to add a welcome bite to the otherwise rich and mellow flavors.
Ingredients
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3 tbsp Olive Oil
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1/2 Onion, raw
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1 tbsp Garlic, raw
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1/4 cup Tomato Paste, unsalted
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1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
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400gTomatoes, canned, red, ripe, diced – can
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1/2 tsp Salt
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1/3 cup Vodka
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500g Pasta, dry – rigatoni
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2 cup Cashews, raw – soaked
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2 cup Water
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1/2 cup Water – pasta water
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1 tbsp Vegetable bouillon
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2 tbsp Parsley – optional garnish
Directions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 7-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook until just fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and pepper flakes and sauté for an additional 3 minutes. Add the whole tomatoes and salt and cook for 5 minutes, crushing the tomatoes with a wooden spoon to release their juices as you stir the mixture.
- Add vodka and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to cool.
- As your sauce cools, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente texture and drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Attach the Pitcher to the Motor Base. Drain the cashews, then add to the Pitcher. Blend until creamy.
- Once the tomato/vodka mixture has cooled for at least 20 minutes, transfer to the Pitcher. Add pasta water and vegetable bouillon and blend on MEDIUM until creamy.
- Pour mixture into the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the warm sauce and gently toss until all the pasta is warm and evenly coated with sauce. Serve and garnish with parsley, if desired.