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Penne with Salmon and Vodka

17/11/2023

Penne with salmon and vodka is a dish full of flavor, featuring a creamy salmon sauce enriched with a touch of vodka, which serves to enhance the flavors and contribute to a slightly spicy nuance. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 320 g of penne
  • 200 g of smoked salmon
  • 100 ml of cooking cream
  • 1/2 glass of vodka
  • 1 small onion or shallot
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A sprig of dill (optional)
  • Butter (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by gently frying the finely chopped onion with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (or a piece of butter if you prefer a richer flavor) in a large pan.

  2. Cut the smoked salmon into strips or cubes, according to your preference, and add it to the pan with the onion once it has become transparent.

  3. Sauté the salmon for a couple of minutes, then add the vodka and let the alcohol evaporate over high heat. This step is important to reduce the alcoholic sensation and concentrate the flavors.

  4. Lower the heat and add the cooking cream. Mix well and let it cook over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken and become creamy. Adjust with salt and pepper.

  5. Meanwhile, cook the penne in plenty of salted water following the cooking times indicated on the package to have them al dente. Once ready, drain them and keep some of the cooking water.

  6. Pour the penne into the pan with the salmon sauce, mixing well to combine. If necessary, add some of the pasta cooking water to make the sauce more fluid.

  7. Serve the penne immediately, garnishing, if you wish, with a chopped fresh dill sprig that will add an extra touch of freshness.

There you have it! A sophisticated and simple dish to make, perfect for a special dinner or when you feel like something different from the usual pasta.

Curiosity

The use of vodka in this dish is not by chance: it is typical of Russian and Eastern European cuisine, although this dish is a modern reinterpretation. In fact, vodka serves to enhance the flavor of the salmon and to create a lighter and velvety sauce.

Penne with Salmon and Vodka