Fried Pasta Shells With Vodka Sauce Dip Food

FRIED PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook about a minute less than the recommended cooking time. Drain the pasta and spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Let cool and pat completely dry with paper towels.
• Pour about 2 inches of oil into a large Dutch oven and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reaches 375 degrees F.
• Fry the pasta in 3 batches (about a cup each batch) until golden brown and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, to a mini processor or spice grinder, add the basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Process until finely ground.
• Remove the fried pasta from the oil, drain on paper towels, then sprinkle immediately with some of the seasoning mix. Repeat, working in batches, with the rest of the pasta and seasoning mix.
• Put the fried pasta on a serving platter and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Serve alongside the warm marinara for dipping.

FRESH PASTA CON VODKA SAUCE

Steps:

• Pasta: Put the flour in a large mixing bowl. Beat the eggs and oil together and mix it into the flour. The dough should be firm enough to handle and not sticky. Adjust the consistency with additional flour or a few drops of water, if necessary. Knead the dough for 5 minutes. Roll it into a ball and then cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut the ball into quarters. Stretch each quarter with a rolling pin, then cut them into thin or thick slices for linguine or fettuccine.
• Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Add onions and saute until transparent. Add 1 cup of vodka and reduce it by half, then add the marinara sauce. Let it simmer and reduce. Season with oregano and salt and pepper, if using.
• Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until cooked al dente. Add the cream to the sauce and allow it to heat through for a couple of minutes (while pasta is finishing). Drain the pasta and add it to a serving bowl. Pour in the sauce and toss. Garnish with some basil leaves and serve.