Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant Tomato Rose Sauce with Citrus Vodka—an indulgent yet entirely vegan creation that's packed with bold flavors and creamy texture. This quick and easy recipe combines the tang of crushed tomatoes and the silky richness of coconut cream with a zesty splash of citrus-infused vodka, creating a luscious sauce that's as unique as it is comforting. Accented with fragrant fresh basil, a hint of maple syrup, and the subtle warmth of red pepper flakes, this dish achieves a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, grain bowls, or even as a creative dipping sauce. A must-try for anyone seeking a plant-based, flavor-forward twist on classic Italian-inspired cuisine!
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely diced onion and saute until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it darkens in color and caramelizes slightly.
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the coconut cream and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to become creamy and rich.
Add the citrus vodka, stirring well, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol flavor, leaving a fragrant and bright citrus note.
Mix in the fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as desired.
Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately over cooked pasta, grain bowls, or as a dipping sauce. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
Calories |
1528 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 114.2 g | 146% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.4 g | 382% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3430 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.3 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.1 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.7 g | ||
| Protein | 23.8 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 420 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 21.6 mg | 120% | |
| Potassium | 4409 mg | 94% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.