Sausage and Peppers with Polenta

Let's Cook

1. 1Prepare the ingredients

   5 min

   Start by washing all your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips, ideally using a mix of red and yellow for color and flavor. Next, slice the onion into thin wedges. Finally, slice the Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces. Having everything prepped before cooking helps streamline the process and makes it less stressful. Remember, a sharp knife makes prep faster and safer!

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   Raw sausage squashes and loses filling when sliced; chill the links 15 minutes first, or brown them whole and cut into coins once firm. Cut onion wedges through the root so they hold together.

2. 2Cook the sausage

   7 min

   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. Browning the sausage not only enhances its flavor but also adds a delicious texture to the dish. Make sure to leave some space between the pieces in the skillet for even cooking.

3. 3Add the vegetables

   5 min

   Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the sausage. Stir everything together and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and begin to caramelize. This step is crucial as the natural sweetness of the vegetables will complement the savory sausage beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.

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   Peppers and onions release water, so a crowded skillet steams instead of caramelizing. If liquid pools, raise the heat and leave the vegetables undisturbed until it cooks off and browning resumes.

4. 4Cook the polenta

   10 min

   While the sausage and vegetables are cooking, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot over high heat. Once boiling, gradually whisk in 1 cup of polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the polenta is thick and creamy. This technique helps achieve a smooth texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the water before adding the polenta.

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   Whisking constantly prevents lumps in the polenta.

5. 5Serve the dish

   5 min

   Once both the sausage mixture and polenta are ready, it's time to serve! Spoon a generous portion of the creamy polenta onto each plate, then top it with the sausage and pepper mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. The contrast of the savory sausage and the creamy polenta will create a delightful meal. Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian dish!