Save A rustic, comforting skillet meal featuring juicy sausages, sweet bell peppers, and onions simmered in a herby tomato sauce, served over creamy polenta. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
I first made this dish on a chilly autumn evening and it quickly became a family favorite for its warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
- Italian sausages: 4 sausages about 400 g, sweet or spicy, sliced into thick rounds
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
- Bell peppers: 2 (red and yellow), sliced into strips
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can 400 g
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon optional
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon plus more to taste
- Black pepper: freshly ground, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil: 2 tablespoons chopped for garnish
- Water: 1 liter 4 cups
- Salt for polenta: 1 teaspoon
- Coarse cornmeal (polenta): 200 g 1 cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 60 g 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned on all sides about 5–6 minutes. Remove sausages and set aside on a plate.
- Step 2:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Add the onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized about 8 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Return the sausages to the skillet. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if using, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 5:
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6:
- While the sausage and peppers simmer, prepare the polenta In a medium saucepan, bring 1 liter 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until polenta is creamy and thick about 10–12 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8:
- To serve, spoon creamy polenta onto plates. Top with sausage and pepper mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Save This meal always sparks joy when shared with family during cozy dinners.
Notes
Additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms can be added for more variety. Use instant polenta for a faster preparation if desired.
Required Tools
Large skillet with lid, saucepan, whisk, cutting board and knife, wooden spoon or spatula.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy Parmesan cheese and butter. Possible gluten depending on sausage brand. Double-check sausage ingredients for gluten or other allergens.
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This hearty dish perfectly combines savory and creamy textures for a satisfying meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the sausages stay juicy?
Cook sausages over medium heat, turning frequently to brown evenly without drying out. Avoid overcooking before adding them to the sauce.
- → Can I use different types of peppers?
Yes, red and yellow bell peppers are ideal for sweetness, but green or orange can be added for varied flavor and color.
- → What makes the polenta creamy and smooth?
Gradually whisking cornmeal into boiling salted water and stirring constantly during cooking prevents lumps. Adding butter and Parmesan cheese enriches the texture.
- → How can I add more herb flavor to the sauce?
Increase fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end or add extra dried oregano and thyme during simmering for deeper herbal notes.
- → Is there a way to speed up polenta preparation?
Instant polenta can be used to reduce cooking time, though traditional coarse cornmeal yields a richer texture.