Vodka Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water 4-8 hours and drained
• 1 cup water
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can, 28 oz, crushed tomatoes
• 1 can, 28 oz, diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vodka
• 1/4 tsp salt, add more to taste as needed
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for serving

Method

1. Either retrieve your pre-soaked cashews or, if like me, bring your raw cashews to boil in a pot of water for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit another 10 minutes.
2. Place the cashews and water into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the pitcher or bowl as needed.
3. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Once hot, add the onion and sauté for about five minutes, until softened.
4. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for another minute, until very fragrant.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and vodka.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to-medium low.
7. Continue simmering for about fifteen minutes, until the sauce thickens a bit and the alcohol has cooked off.
8. Stir the cashew mixture into sauce and bring it back to a simmer, just for a minute, until heated throughout.
9. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
10. Serve over pasta of choice and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.