Beans alla Vodka

The much beloved pasta dish that took the internet by storm a few years ago has been given a legume twist. Beans alla Vodka features white beans coated in the classic spicy, creamy tomato sauce. A decadent but incredibly simple mid-week dinner!

Beans alla Vodka is the fusion you never knew you needed. Combining the comforting flavours of creamy vodka sauce with the wholesome goodness of beans, this dish is a delightful twist on the classic.

The Resurgence of Penne Alla Vodka

Penne alla Vodka, a beloved Italian-American classic, experienced a revival in 2020, taking the internet by storm. This dish, characterised by its rich, tomato-based vodka sauce, enjoyed a surge in popularity, captivating food enthusiasts and home cooks alike.

The origins of Penne alla Vodka are somewhat mysterious, with various accounts attributing its creation to Italian chefs in either Italy or the United States. Regardless of its exact beginnings, the dish's creamy, tangy flavors quickly won over hearts and taste buds, becoming a staple in Italian-American cuisine.

The resurgence of Penne alla Vodka in 2020 can be attributed to several factors, including a renewed interest in nostalgic comfort foods and the rise of viral food trends on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This combined with the fact that most of the world were in lockdown due to Covid-19. What a time. We were all seeking the ease of something quick and delicious. This dish, with it's satisfying taste, and easy preparation made it the perfect candidate for home cooks seeking both comfort and convenience during uncertain times.

The Benefits of Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes are nutritional powerhouses that deserve a prime spot in your culinary repertoire. From chickpeas to black beans to lentils, these versatile ingredients offer a plethora of health benefits.

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them an ideal option for vegetarians and vegans.Additionally, beans are rich in fibre, which promotes digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Beans are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and magnesium. All of which play key roles in supporting overall health and wellbeing. Incorporating beans into your meals can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

In terms of cooking, beans are a carrier of flavour. They are quite plain tasting on their own, but make perfect vessels when tossed in a dressing or sauce. Beans also benefit from cooking techniques. Braising them so they become soft and flavourful, frying or baking them to make them crunchy. Utilise this fantastic ingredient to not only boost the nutritional value of your meal, but add a textural component as well.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Chilli flakes
• Tomato paste
• Vodka
• Tinned butter beans
• Pouring cream
• Parmigiano reggiano
• Salt and Pepper
• Basil leaves

See recipe card below for quantities.

Tips and variations

• Dried vs tinned beans: Beans come in both dried and tinned forms. Dried beans usually require some soaking time before hand to help reduce overall cooking time. For this recipe, I recommend using tinned beans, which are already soft. They will readily soak up the flavour of your sauce.
• Bean variety: swap butter beans for cannellini or white beans in this recipe as you like.
• Alcohol: it makes no difference to this recipe if you leave out the vodka. You get the same wonderfully creamy, tomato sauce packed full of flavour.

Equipment

• Chopping board
• Knife
• Fry pan
• Spatula

Watch the video here. If you make this one, don't forget to tag me on TikTok or Instagram. I love to see it!