Vegan Spicy Rigatoni Vodka
This creamy, spicy pasta dish is a replica of the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka from Carbone in New York, but this one doesn’t cost $32, and it’s vegan. The Calabrian chilis are a game changer and the soubise method of cooking the onions really enhances their natural sweetness. It’s world-famous for a reason, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Onion Soubise
- 2 yellow onions, sliced thinly
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 1/4 cup water
- sea salt
For the Cashew Cream
- 1/2 cup raw, unsalted cashews
- 2 tbsp raw, unsalted cashews
- 3/4 cup water
For the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka
- 14 oz Whole San Marzano tomatoes, drained of liquid
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
- 1.5 tbsp vodka
- 1.5 tbsp vegan butter
- 1/2 cup cashew cream
- 1/2 lb rigatoni or pipete rigate pasta
Instructions
For the Onion Soubise
- Melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan, then add the onions, water, and a pinch of salt. Cook for ~1hr, stirring occasionally, to melt the onions. You want them to break down slowly, getting soft and translucent, but not taking on any color.
For the Cashew Cream
- Blend the cashews and water together in a nutribullet or vitamix. If you don't have a nutribullet or vitamix, boil the cashews in water for 30 minutes, then drain the liquid and proceed using a standard blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and without any grain — this may take 3 or 4 minutes. Measure out your half cup.
For the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka
- Add the salt, sugar, olive oil, vodka, vegan butter, cashew cream, and Calabrian chili paste in a large skillet. Take the whole San Marzano tomatoes and crush them with your hands, adding to the skillet as well. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- While the sauce is working, boil pasta in very well salted water until al dente (according to package). *Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid before draining.*
- Reduce heat to low, add the onion soubise to the sauce and stir to combine, adding more salt, cream, or chili paste to taste.
- While still on low heat, add the cooked pasta and the reserve pasta water. Toss until well coated, then divide among bowls and serve warm!
Tried this recipe?Mention @thesimpleseagan or tag #thesimpleseagan!
