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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    February 1, 2024 · by Andrea Love · This post may contain affiliate links · No Comments

    Beans alla Vodka

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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!

    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!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 serves
    Author: Andrea Love

    Ingredients

    • 30 mL olive oil
    • 1 shallot finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
    • 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
    • 70 g tomato paste
    • 30 mL vodka (optional)
    • 150 mL cream
    • 800 g butter beans drained and rinsed
    • ⅓ cup grated parmigiano reggiano plus extra for serving
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • Fresh basil leaves for serving

    Instructions

    • In a large frypan over medium heat, add olive oil. Add diced shallot and garlic and cook, stirring frequently until softened, 4 to 5 minutes or so.
    • Add chilli flakes and stir, before adding tomato paste. Mix frequently and cook until fragrant and beginning to darken, about 4 minutes.
    • Stir in vodka, followed by cream until mixed well. Add in butter beans and mix until beans are coated in the sauce. Allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes so beans can soften and heat through.
    • Sprinkle over grated parmigiano reggiano, salt and pepper and mix well. Serve immediately with extra parmigiano reggiano and fresh basil leaves. Eat as is, or with a side of crusty bread.

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    Hi, I'm Andrea! I'm a self-taught home cook and I love to create food that makes me happy, whether it be wholesome or indulgent (or a little bit of both). Eatnik gives me a little corner of the internet to be able to share my recipes and as a result I hope your feel inspired to recreate them at home.

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