Sausage and peppers

A Flavorful Fiesta on Your Plate: Savoring the Symphony of Sausage and Peppers

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that pays homage to the vibrant streets of Italy and the sizzling comfort found in every household. Our Sausage and Peppers recipe is a celebration of simplicity and bold flavors, a dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort food. Join us as we unravel the secrets to crafting a hearty and savory dish that brings together the savory notes of succulent sausages with the sweetness of colorful bell peppers. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a culinary haven where every bite tells a tale of tradition and indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausages (mild or hot), links or bulk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Searing the Sausages: Begin by searing the Italian sausages in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and are cooked through. If using bulk sausage, break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauteing Aromatics and Peppers: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté thinly sliced onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. Introduce minced garlic to the mix, letting it release its aromatic charm. Incorporate the sliced bell peppers, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.

Step 3: Tomato Tango: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re opting for a touch of heat. Stir the ingredients together, allowing the tomato sauce to envelop the peppers and onions in a flavorful dance.

Step 4: Reuniting with Sausages: Bring back the seared sausages, nestling them into the simmering mixture. Let the sausages soak in the tomato-infused goodness, ensuring each one is coated in the luscious sauce.

Step 5: Simmering Symphony: Lower the heat and let the sausage and pepper concoction simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and the sausages absorb the essence of the peppers and tomatoes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by garnishing with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve the sausages and peppers over pasta, rice, or on a crusty Italian roll for a delightful sandwich.

Cook Notes:

• Sausage Variety: Experiment with different types of sausages to discover your preferred level of heat and flavor. Sweet, mild, or spicy Italian sausages all work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Crushed vs. Whole Tomatoes: While crushed tomatoes contribute to a smoother sauce, you can use whole tomatoes and crush them in the skillet for a chunkier texture.

Variations:

Keto Edition:

• Cauliflower Rice Base: Swap out traditional rice for cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly base. Sauté the cauliflower rice with olive oil and garlic for added flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Sausages: Choose sausages with minimal or no added sugars to keep the dish low in carbs.

Low-Carb Version:

• Spaghetti Squash Bed: Instead of traditional pasta, serve your sausage and peppers over spaghetti squash strands. Roast the spaghetti squash and scrape out the strands for a low-carb alternative.
• Veggie Noodles Addition: Incorporate spiralized zucchini or butternut squash noodles for an extra layer of vegetable goodness.

A Homage to Homestyle Comfort: As you savor the delectable blend of savory sausages and the sweetness of colorful bell peppers, relish in the joy of creating a dish that transcends mere ingredients. Sausage and Peppers is more than a recipe; it’s a homage to homestyle comfort, a dish that brings families and friends together around the table. Whether served over pasta, nestled in a sandwich, or atop a bed of veggie noodles, this classic dish invites you to partake in a timeless culinary tradition. So, bring the warmth of Italian kitchens to your home, and let every bite be a celebration of flavor, tradition, and the simple joys found in a well-cooked meal