Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions is a classic and hearty dish that embodies the rich and robust flavors of Italian cuisine. This dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner, a lively gathering, or a delicious meal prep option. The combination of sweet Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and tender onions creates a mouthwatering experience that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps to brown the sausages and sauté the vegetables.
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage: The star of the dish, offering a balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
• 2 bell peppers, sliced: Use a mix of colors (red, yellow, or green) for a vibrant presentation and a balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavors.
• 2 yellow onions, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complements the sausage.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile with traditional Italian notes.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves: Adds a fresh, aromatic touch that brightens up the dish.
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped: Infuses the dish with a robust and fragrant flavor.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth and richness.
• 1 cup Marsala wine (or chicken broth): Adds a hint of sweetness and deglazes the pan, bringing together all the flavors. Chicken broth can be used as a non-alcoholic alternative.
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slightly acidic note that balances the richness of the sausage.
• Salt to taste: Adjusts the seasoning to your preference.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a bit of heat for those who like a spicy kick.

Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausages:

1. Heat the Olive Oil:
   • In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the sausage to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   • Add the sweet Italian sausage to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 7-10 minutes. The goal is to get a nice sear, which adds flavor, but the sausages don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
3. Remove and Set Aside:
   • Once browned, remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside. They will finish cooking later with the vegetables and sauce.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

1. Cook the Peppers and Onions:
   • In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté them in the rendered fat from the sausages for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and caramelize.
2. Season the Vegetables:
   • Season the peppers and onions with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This layering of flavors ensures that every component of the dish is well-seasoned.
3. Add the Garlic and Tomato Paste:
   • Stir in the chopped garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the tomato paste to deepen in color, enhancing its flavor.

3. Create the Sauce:

1. Deglaze with Marsala Wine:
   • Pour in the Marsala wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce.
2. Add the Diced Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. This will create a delicious, slightly chunky sauce that the sausages will cook in.
3. Return the Sausages to the Pan:
   • Place the browned sausages back into the pan, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables. Reduce the heat to low and let the sausages simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Finish and Serve:

1. Add Fresh Basil:
   • Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. This will add a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the rich, savory dish.
2. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage.
3. Serve Hot:
   • Serve the Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions hot. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own, over pasta, in a sandwich, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil, high-quality sausage, and ripe bell peppers will elevate the dish’s flavors.
• Deglazing: Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the pan after adding the wine or broth for maximum flavor.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine or a crisp salad on the side.

Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions is a timeless dish that combines simplicity with robust flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a main course, in sandwiches, or over pasta, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. The rich sauce, tender vegetables, and savory sausage come together in a dish that’s comforting and delicious, perfect for any occasion.