Go Back
Pearl onions in creamy vodka tomato sauce.

Creamed Onions Alla Vodka Recipe

Pearl onions in creamy vodka tomato sauce. Luxe Italian side, glossy tender.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pearl Onions
  • 1 lb pearl onions fresh or frozen
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Vodka Sauce
  • ½ cup vodka
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Skillet
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring medium pot salted water to boil. Add pearl onions, blanch 2 minutes. Drain slotted spoon into ice bath bowl. Peel skins easy pinch fingers once cool.
  2. Heat olive oil in skillet medium using measuring spoon. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook 1 minute fragrant wooden spoon.
  3. Pour vodka careful, tilt pan slight flame if gas or light match safe distance. Simmer 2 minutes alcohol burns off, stir wooden spoon.
  4. Stir crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper from measuring spoons. Simmer 5 minutes thick. Add peeled pearl onions, coat even. Pour heavy cream, simmer 10 minutes till sauce clings glossy.
  5. Stir parmesan till melted smooth. Taste adjust salt. Pull heat

Notes

  • Frozen pearls skip blanch, thaw first. Vodka optional; white wine or broth subs.
  • Flame adds depth but skip stovetop safe.
  • Make ahead fridge 2 days, reheat gentle cream splash.