Pasta al Salmoné e Vodka (Italian Salmon and Vodka)

This recipe is an old Italian classic, very popular as a quick fix when you have friends around unexpectedly and you want to feed them. It's a very simple dish, packed with flavour (if you like smoked salmon of course) and very easy to make. There are a few versions of the recipe; some people like to add some halved cherry tomatoes into the sauce, at the very end, and others like to garnish the dish with different herbs. I personally like the minimalist version of the recipe, without tomatoes, and the only herb I use is parsley. A little word of advice; this is a dish to be served quickly, when it is still piping hot, because the sauce has the tendency to dry quickly because of the cream.

Pasta:
1 lb penne or other pasta (450 g)
3 Tbsp. sea salt

Salmon and Vodka Sauce:
4 oz pancetta, diced
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
2 Tbsp. butter
4 oz smoked salmon
½ cup vodka
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 small fist parsley, chopped
chives
1 clove garlic, minced
¾ cups shallots, diced
½ cup pasta water

In a pan under medium-high heat. Add a 1 tsp. of oil and 2 Tbsp. of butter. As soon as the butter is melted add the chopped shallots. Add diced cured ham.

After a minute of cooking add the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds. Add 1 Tbsp. of chopped parsley. After 30 seconds add the chopped salmon. Cook for another 30 seconds mix well.

Add ½ cup of vodka. You have two choices. #1 If setting your house/boat on fire isn't your thing. Just lightly boil and reduce till vodka is almost gone. #2 Set'r on fire and wait till the flame goes out.

Add crushed tomatoes. Mix well and reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 30 minutes on a light simmer. Try and reduce by a 1/3 or until the sauce has thickened.

About 10 minutes before you think it's done make sure your pasta is already in the boiling, salted water. Cook according to the pkg directions.

Add ¾ cup of heavy cream. Do not do this if the sauce is bubbling. Bring to a simmer first then add. Add chives and parsley and mix in.

Serve hot immediately.

Makes 4 servings.