Fettucine With Smoked Salmon Cream Sauce

Years ago, back in my banking days, my colleagues and I had our local drinking hole. It was called W.C. Fields. It was a two-story bar/restaurant. It was part sports bar, part lounge, part dining room. The owner was generous with the shots but a little "schizo" with the whole theme.

Back then, he (the owner) was really into the Food Network and at this time it was early in the network's existence. I remember having drinks, venting about work and hearing Emeril yell, "BAM, BAM, BAM" on the TV screen.

Everyday, the owner would try a new recipe he saw on the TV and try it as a "special of the day". Some worked, most didn't. I remember once he featured Risotto...with long-grain rice...who knew back then about arborio rice?

My point is, we've come along way with new ingredients and new or unusual food pairings. Experiment. Don't be afraid to try new combinations, new ingredients. Try them simply first then try your kitchen experiments.

This Smoked Salmon pasta was a special at W.C. Fields and it's my ode to those early Food Network days, when world of food was opened wide for many of us.

Fettucine With Smoked Salmon Cream Sauce (for 2)

1 Tbsp butter + 1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 shots of vodka
1/3 cup pomodoro sauce
1/2 cup whipping cream
Smoked salmon (about 4 pieces, sliced)
1/2 cup peas
1 stalk of green onion, chopped
a pinch of chili flakes
a pinch of nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large pot, get some water boiling. Add salt and boil your pasta as per package.
2. In a large saucepan, add your butter and olive oil over medium heat and soon after add your onions to soften for about 5 minutes. Add your vodka and garlic and lower to a low simmer.
3. Add your pomodoro sauce and allow it to cook through for about 5 minutes. Add your cream, nutmeg, incorporate and turn off the heat. Check for seasoning.
4. When your pasta is done, reserve some pasta water and drain your fettucine. Add to your sauce, along with the green onion, black pepper, chili flakes, peas and smoked salmon. Toss well and grate some Parmesan or Romano on top.
   

Print this post