Description
Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Ingredients:
6 Italian sausages
2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the sausages until browned and fully cooked, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers until tender.
4. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Return the sausages to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Perfect for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the best results. First, ensure your sausages are at room temperature for even cooking. Prick each sausage 2-3 times with a fork to prevent bursting. In your large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning frequently, until evenly browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F). Transfer to a plate. Add the sliced onions to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the bell peppers. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can be served in numerous delicious ways. For a classic approach, serve it on a bed of creamy polenta or alongside garlic mashed potatoes. It’s also perfect stuffed into a toasted hoagie roll with melted provolone cheese for an authentic sausage and pepper sandwich. For a low-carb option, serve over a bowl of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
How-to Summary
Quickly brown Italian sausages in a skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until soft. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Return the sausages to the skillet to warm through and combine flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different types of sausage? Absolutely. Sweet or hot Italian sausage links are traditional, but you can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausages. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the product.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables, or use hot Italian sausages. You can also add a diced jalapeño pepper with the bell peppers.
- Can I cook this in the oven? Yes. Toss sausages and vegetables with oil and seasonings on a sheet pan. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until sausages are cooked and vegetables are tender.
- What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- Can I add other vegetables? Definitely. Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions. Add harder vegetables like mushrooms with the onions, and softer ones like zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Skillet: Cooking too many sausages at once steams them instead of browning them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Overcooking the Peppers: Sauté peppers until they are tender-crisp, not mushy. They should retain some texture and bright color.
- Not Using the Fond: The browned bits left from cooking the sausage are packed with flavor. Make sure to scrape them up when sautéing the vegetables.
- Underseasoning: The vegetables need ample seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper after they have cooked.
Conclusion
This Sausage and Peppers recipe is a quintessential, satisfying meal that proves simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. It’s a flexible foundation perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced dish every time. Experiment with different sausages, serving styles, and added vegetables to make it your own. Enjoy this hearty, comforting classic!