Spelt Penne alla Vodka

(Maryse Chevriere)

Even if you're like me and can barely suppress an eye roll at the mention of words like "healthy grains," I guarantee that you'll like spelt — and specifically spelt pasta.

Cook Time:

Prep Time:

Total Time:30 min

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 28-ounce can puréed tomatoes

1/3 cup vodka

1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature

1/2 cup grate Parmesan

salt and pepper, to taste

1 16-ounce box spelt penne pasta

4 basil leaves, chiffonade, for garnish

Preparation:

In a medium-sized, deep pan (or pot), sauté the minced garlic in the olive oil over low heat for a couple of minutes, until soft.

Next, increase the heat to medium and add in the puréed tomatoes and vodka. Simmer for about 20 minutes to reduce by about 1/3, stirring occasionally.

Turn the heat to medium-low, and mix in the cream and Parmesan until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring the water for the pasta to a boil and cook the penne (about 7 minutes)

When the pasta is al dente, drain the water and add the pasta to the sauce, and continue to cook on low for about 2 minutes. Garnish with grated Parmesan and basil.