Massachusetts: Does Vodka Sauce Belong On Pizza?
Let’s answer the question right away: yes, it does. Vodka sauce pizza is not something you find around New England all that often, but it’s a pairing you are going to want to take note of.
If you simply Google the term “vodka sauce pizza Boston” not a lot of concrete options populate other than some food review sites. Having this sauce on pizza is just not as common in this region as it is in other parts of the country, such as the tri-state area.
I grew up in the Northern New Jersey area on the edge of New York City. Before moving to New England in 2011, I was a Manhattan resident for seven years. I note this because vodka sauce pizza was always at my disposal until I moved up north.
For those who are unfamiliar, vodka sauce is a tomato-based sauce. “It’s typically made with a combination of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, onions, garlic, vodka and spices,” Lid and Ladle explains.
It can be a richer sauce, and that is important to note when it comes to how it is used with pizza. A vodka sauce pizza does not often have or need a surplus of toppings, as it could dilute the flavor that vodka sauce provides.
Think of a penne alla vodka. This, too, is not as common in Massachusetts. Often though, this dish doesn’t contain a lot of other ingredients added in. The same holds true for pizza. Mix in some basil and you have everything you need.
Vodka Sauce Pizza In Boston?
There are just a few local places I’ve found where you can try this, and I had to really search for them. Serafina in the Seaport and Back Bay does have a menu item called Pizza Alla Vodka. It does include bacon but this is one item where it is acceptable to ask for “no bacon.”
Occasionally, Stoked Wood Fired in Brookline will have vodka pizza on special. Another place to note here is the Paisani Food Truck, which you will often find in Dewey Square or the Greenway. While it’s not pizza, they do have a chicken parm sandwich that is made with vodka sauce instead of traditional tomato. It’s outstanding. This is partly due to the tasty chicken and roll, but the sauce brings it to another level.
Another option, which I opted for quite often during the quarantine months, was to make my own vodka pizza at home. If you have a pizza stone or bar pie pan, you can cook up this meal in your own kitchen. My preference is the Bertolli Vodka sauce that you can find at many grocery stores. Layer this sauce proportionately on the dough, add your fresh mozzarella and some subtle basil, and thank me later.
If you really want to get delightfully fancy with it, sprinkle on some olive oil and grated parmesan cheese upon taking the pie out of the oven.
