Difference Between Vodka Sauce And Spaghetti Sauce
When it comes to pasta sauces, there are many different options available. Two popular choices are vodka sauce and spaghetti sauce. Although both sauces are commonly used in Italian cuisine, they have distinct differences in terms of ingredients, taste, and preparation. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between vodka sauce and spaghetti sauce.
What is Vodka Sauce?
Vodka sauce is a creamy tomato-based sauce made with heavy cream, crushed tomatoes, vodka, garlic, and herbs. The vodka is added to the sauce to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes and help the sauce thicken. The cream is then added to give the sauce a rich and creamy texture. Vodka sauce is often served with pasta such as penne or rigatoni and is a popular choice in Italian-American cuisine.
What is Spaghetti Sauce?
Spaghetti sauce, also known as marinara sauce, is a tomato-based sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. The sauce is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Spaghetti sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and is commonly served with spaghetti noodles.
Ingredients
The main difference between vodka sauce and spaghetti sauce is the addition of vodka and cream in vodka sauce. Spaghetti sauce is typically made with just crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. Vodka sauce has a richer and creamier taste than spaghetti sauce. Spaghetti sauce is usually thinner and has a more pronounced tomato flavor.
Taste
Vodka sauce has a distinct flavor due to the addition of vodka and cream. The vodka enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and the cream gives the sauce a rich and creamy texture. Spaghetti sauce has a more pronounced tomato flavor and is typically thinner in consistency.
Preparation
The preparation of vodka sauce and spaghetti sauce is similar in that they both start with sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil. The difference comes in when the vodka and cream are added to the vodka sauce. The vodka is added to the sauce early on in the cooking process to allow the alcohol to evaporate and enhance the tomato flavor. The cream is then added towards the end of the cooking process to prevent curdling. Spaghetti sauce is typically simmered for a longer period of time to allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
In summary, vodka sauce and spaghetti sauce are both delicious pasta sauces that are commonly used in Italian cuisine. The main difference between the two is the addition of vodka and cream in vodka sauce. Vodka sauce has a richer and creamier taste, while spaghetti sauce has a more pronounced tomato flavor. Both sauces can be enjoyed with a variety of pasta dishes and are sure to please any pasta lover.