New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a dish that brings together the elegance of a martini and the comfort of pasta? Introducing the Dirty Martini Pasta—a delightful fusion that is both quick and easy to prepare. As a fan of gin martinis and the briny goodness of green olives, this pasta dish caught my eye on my social media feed, and I knew I had to give it a try.
Why Dirty Martini Pasta?
Martinis, especially gin martinis, have a special place in my heart. The classic combination of gin, vermouth, and the tangy bite of green olives is simply irresistible. This pasta captures that essence, transforming those flavors into a savory dish perfect for a festive occasion. Adding my personal touch, I included blue cheese and pickled jalapenos to mimic my favorite martini garnish—a blue cheese stuffed olive alongside a garlic and jalapeno-stuffed olive. Of course, you can opt for parmesan if you prefer a more traditional, cheesy finish.
Ingredients: Dirty Martini Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pasta:
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or sliced
- 1/4 cup gin
- 2 tablespoons vermouth
- 1 cup pitted Castelvetrano or other firm green olives in brine, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive brine
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos, plus 1 tablespoon of their brine (optional)
- Lots of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Crumbled blue cheese or grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions Dirty Martini Pasta
- Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by boiling the spaghetti until it’s just shy of al dente. This ensures that the pasta will soak up the flavorful sauce without becoming mushy.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced or sliced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add Liquor and Reduce: Pour in the gin and vermouth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to reduce for about 3 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and the flavors concentrate.
- Incorporate the Olives and Brine: Stir in the sliced olives, olive brine, and if using, the chopped pickled jalapenos and their brine. Season generously with black pepper. Let this mixture simmer and reduce while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it thoroughly and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta over low heat for a few minutes until it absorbs the sauce and any remaining liquid evaporates.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the lemon juice and butter, ensuring they melt and coat the pasta evenly.Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta and top with crumbled blue cheese or grated parmesan, depending on your preference.
Cheers to a Flavorful New Year!
This Dirty Martini Pasta is not only a breeze to make but also a fantastic way to bring a touch of sophistication to your New Year’s celebration. The briny olives, tangy pickled jalapenos, and creamy blue cheese create a harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. So, gather your pantry ingredients, pour yourself a gin martini, and toast to the new year with a bowl of this delectable pasta. Cheers!
Elevate your New Year’s Eve with our irresistible Dirty Martini Pasta! This quick and easy recipe combines the bold flavors of gin, briny olives, and tangy blue cheese, creating a luxurious, martini-inspired dish. Perfect for a festive celebration, it’s a flavorful twist that will impress and delight. Cheers!
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