Sausage, peppers, and onions is a classic Italian-American dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Here’s how to prepare it:
Sausage, peppers, and onions is a classic dish that embodies the hearty and comforting essence of traditional American cuisine, with roots that can be traced back to various European influences. This dish is particularly popular in Italian-American cooking, arising from the Italian immigrants who brought their culinary traditions to the United States. The combination of these three ingredients creates a savory, aromatic dish that is both satisfying and versatile, making it a favorite in many households.
At its core, the dish features sausages, which can vary widely in type and flavor profile depending on personal preference and regional variations. Italian sausage is commonly used, typically seasoned with fennel, garlic, and other spices, providing a robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the peppers and the caramelized notes of the onions. The sausages can be either sweet or spicy, depending on the type chosen, and they contribute a luscious richness to the overall dish.
Fresh bell peppers play a crucial role in this delectable blend. They add a vibrant pop of color and a slight crispness to the mix. Bell peppers come in a variety of colors—green, red, yellow, and orange—each bringing its unique flavor and sweetness to the dish. When cooked, they become tender and juicy, adding a refreshing balance to the savory sausages. The interplay of the luscious sausages with the sweet, sautéed peppers creates a delightful mouthfeel and complex flavor profile.
Onions, often yellow or sweet varieties, provide another layer of flavor. When sautéed, they soften and caramelize, developing a natural sweetness that complements the savory elements of the dish. Their aromatic qualities enhance the overall fragrance, making the dish incredibly inviting. The combination of the richly seasoned sausage, tender peppers, and fragrant onions creates a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.
The preparation of sausage, peppers, and onions is relatively straightforward, making it an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Typically, the sausages are either grilled, sautéed, or baked until browned and cooked through. Meanwhile, the peppers and onions are sautéed in olive oil until they become tender and start to caramelize, highlighting their natural sweetness. This cooking method also allows for the delicious fats and juices from the sausages to mingle with the vegetables, enhancing their flavor.
Ingredients:
Sausage Peppers and Onions
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 sausages (such as cumberland, andouille and bratwurst)
- 2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 orange bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Sausage Peppers and Onions
FIRST STEP:
Place a cast-iron skillet on medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
Sear the sausages in the skillet until well browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes.
SECOND STEP:
Remove the browned sausages from the pan and set aside.
To the same skillet add the sliced onions, cook for 5 minutes to soften.
THIRD STEP:
Then add the bell peppers and garlic, cook for 3 minutes.
Stir the chopped tomatoes and Italian seasoning into the skillet and bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and season the sauce.
FOURTH STEP:
Add the browned sausages back to the skillet and simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the sausages have cooked through.
Serve two sausages per portion alongside the bell peppers, onions and a generous spoonful of sauce.
Enjoy!