Vegan Penne With Vodka Sauce

1. 1

   Soak Cashews in a bowl for 8-10 hours or overnight. (SPECIAL NOTE: Soaking them to long will cause the nuts to sprout and the flavor will change.)

2. 2

   Place one can of coconut milk into the fridge at least 15 min. prior to use. As this will cause the water and cream to separate, reserving only the cream. Use the coconut water as you wish or perhaps in a smoothie!

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 375 F.

4. 4

   Heat vegan butter in a large oven-proof pot or Dutch oven with a lid. Add diced onion to melted vegan butter and sautee for 3 min. Then add minced garlic and finish sauteing for another 2 min or until onions are translucent.

5. 5

   Add the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and cook for another min. *Special Note: if you are heat sensitive try reducing the red pepper flakes to 1/2 of a teaspoon or to your personal preference.

6. 6

   Add the vodka and let it reduce by half.

7. 7

   Meanwhile, put the canned tomatoes in a food processor (or squeeze with your hands) and slightly puree the tomatoes (aka leave slightly chunky, but not necessary.) Then add the tomatoes to the dutch oven with 2 pinches of salt and one pinch of pepper. Cover the dutch oven with the lid and place in the oven for about 1 1/2 hours undisturbed.

8. 8

   Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cooke the pasta el dente. Drain and set aside the pasta. *Special Note: Dont forget to reserve some of the pasta water incase your pasta sticks together. Just add some pasta water back into the pasta in small increments at a time and toss pasta carefully.

9. 9

   Place the tomato mixture in a Vita-mix, along with soaked cashews, and the cream of the coconut milk and puree on high. This might have to be done in batches, but make sure to put the cashews in the tomato mixture as the heat continues to help them to turn out smooth in consistency. Return to the pan.

10. 10

    Add fresh oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow to simmer for 10 min.

11. 11

    Add pasta to pasta dish and cover with the pasta sauce and toss allowing the heat to continue cooking the pasta.

12. 12

    Place Macadamia nuts in a food processor and process till a fine dust. Dust your plate of pasta with macadamia nuts as if it were your parmigiana.

13. 13

    Adapted from Ina Gartens Recipe Nick and Toni's Penne Alla Vecchia Bettola at Food Network.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.