Homemade Ricotta Stuffed Shells Ala Vodka Sauce
This recipe was adapted from a mixture of things. I love vodka sauce, my mom made stuffed shells the other night and she told me about the most famous ricotta cheese she got from up North. I took it upon my self to combine all these ingredients and make stuffed shells ala vodka! It turned out more incredible than I thought it would and it was SO easy. I know your probably thinking..."Homemade ricotta easy??" well actually its easier then opening the airtight sealed dog food loaf kind. Here she goes!
Ingredients For Ricotta:
1/2 Gallon Whole Milk
1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
3 TBS Lemon juice
1 TBS Salt
Cheese Cloth
5 Leaves Torn Basil
1 TBS Pepper
Directions:
First measure out all the ingredients and make sure you are ready because things go pretty fast. Over medium high heat add the milks and salt. Bring to a boil be sure to stir so no burning occurs, after it starts to boil turn down to a simmer and add the lemon juice. Let sit untouched for 10 minutes till curds start to form. Remove from heat and pour the curds into the cheese cloth tie in a knot and hang somewhere for it to drip and dry. After 2 hours remove from cheese cloth place into bowl and fold in the basil and pepper. Set aside and start on the pasta!
Ingredients For Vodka Sauce:
1 Can Tomato Paste
1 Onion Diced
2 TBS Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
1 TSP Red Pepper Flake
1 Cup Good Vodka
1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 TBS Butter
1 Box Jumbo Shells
Directions:
In a large skillet over high heat add in the olive oil, onion and seasonings. Cook for 5-7 minutes till onion is soft then add in the can of tomato paste. Cook till the paste covers the onion, pour in the the vodka and turn the heat down to medium. Stir religiously till the vodka smells starts to wear off, add in the cream and turn to a simmer. Toss in the butter to finish! Cook the shells according to the directions and set aside to be stuffed.
After the shells are stuffed place them in a oven at 375 for 30 minutes!
