Italian Sausage
Description
This hearty Italian sausage dish transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful meal. Sweet and fennel-spiked Italian sausage is browned to perfection, then simmered in a robust sauce made from crushed tomatoes, wine, and aromatic vegetables. Earthy mushrooms and a blend of fresh herbs add complexity, while a surprising touch of American cheese melts in to create a uniquely smooth and tangy finish. Ideal for pasta, sandwiches, or served over polenta, this recipe is a comforting weeknight winner that freezes beautifully for future meals.Ingredients
Directions
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Heat a little olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Brown the Italian sausage links well in the oil, turning to color all sides.
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Use tongs to remove the browned sausage and set aside on a plate or pot lid.
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Drain off excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat behind.
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Add the diced onion, green pepper, and sliced garlic to the pot.
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Stir to coat the vegetables in the fat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion and pepper begin to soften, but do not let them brown.
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Return the sausage to the pot.
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Stir in the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes), tomato paste, sugar, red wine, bay leaf, Parmesan cheese, and all dried herbs and spices.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
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Cover and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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While the sauce simmers, sauté the mushrooms in a separate small pan with a dab of butter, a dash of olive oil, and a sprinkle of marjoram, basil, and paprika.
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Add the sautéed mushrooms and their juices to the saucepan during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
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About 5 minutes before serving, add the slices of American cheese to the sauce.
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Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
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Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 505.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32.3g50%
- Saturated Fat 10.7g54%
- Cholesterol 80.0mg27%
- Sodium 1193.5mg50%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.9g2%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 1.0g
- Protein 42.6g86%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Leftovers make excellent sausage sandwiches or can be frozen for quick meals later. Allow to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Variation: For extra richness and meatiness, you can brown pork shoulder blades or spareribs along with the sausage. This adds great flavor and provides a second meat component for company.
Consistency: Adjust the amount of wine or water depending on whether you use whole tomatoes or tomato sauce. Aim for a nice, thick sauce consistency. If using whole tomatoes, crush them well before adding.
Cheese Note: The addition of American cheese might seem heretical, but it helps mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a uniquely smooth texture.
