So I decided today that I was craving Rao's. Being that I live in Calabasas and that Rao's is in Hollywood (and that it's totally booked) I ran over to Gelson's and Trader Joe's and made Rao's happen
at home. At Gelson's I picked up Rao's Vodka Sauce, then high-tailed it over to TJ's. At TJ's I grabbed a sesame baguette, some Kerrygold Irish butter, fresh garlic, a sweet onion, some organic penne pasta, butter lettuce, about a pound of organic ground beef, and a nice bottle of wine, and I was all set. An hour later, we were ready to eat!
My Rendition of Rao's Vodka Penne
1 pound penne pasta, cooked al dente
1 sweet onion sauteed
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1
jar (24 oz) Rao's Homemade Vodka Sauce
Chop onions.
In a cast iron skillet saute onions until golden, about ten minutes.
Add meat and brown. Drain off excess
oil. Place back in skillet.
Add sauce and cook at very low heat.
Meanwhile set water to boil and cook pasta. Drain and cover
with sauce
Top with your favorite Italian grated cheese.
While the pasta cooks, slice the bread in half lengthwise.
Spread a mixture of butter and garlic on the bread and broil for about 3-4 minutes. Cut into 4 inch pieces.
For salad, put butter lettuce, thinly sliced English cucumbers and
mini cherry tomatoes in a bowl. I make a simple dressing of Spanish Olive oil, Champagne vinegar, a clove of garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. It takes about 2 minutes.