Ever since I have heard of "vodka sauce" I have really wanted to find a recipe and try it. Today was just the day. It had cooled down enough so that crab cakes were off the menu, but it was still too warm for Cioppino. Not to mention the Raging Mr. was stuck on clams.
Clams in Vodka Sauce with Linguine
This batch serves 8
INGREDIENTS
1 lb linguine
1/2 c butter
1/4 c salt
1/4 c cornmeal
1/2 T crushed red pepper flake
1 medium red onion
6 large Roma Tomatoes
1/4 lb crimini mushrooms
1 T minced garlic
1 T capers
1 c Vodka
1 c heavy whipping cream
5 lb clams in shells
1/4 lb Parmesano Regiano-grated
1 loaf favorite rustic bread
DIRECTIONS
* Put clams in a large bowl with 3 T salt, 1/4 c cornmeal and enough cold water to cover
* Dice onions and slice mushrooms then saute in butter
* Dice tomatoes and add to onions and mushrooms
* Add 1 t salt, 1/2 T crushed red pepper, 1 T capers along with 1 T minced garlic
* Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes stirring every couple of minutes
* Put pasta water on to boil with 2 t salt
* Add Vodka continue to cook for 20 minutes or until vodka flavor mellows
* Add whipping cream to sauce and bring to boil
* Drain and rinse clams and stir into sauce
* As clams open pull from sauce
* Cook pasta until al dente, rinse and lightly coat with oil
* Pour sauce and clams over pasta to serve
* Serve with grated Parmesano Regiano and rustic bread
