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- 4 Italian sausages (mild or spicy) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (or one 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, drained) - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing Gathering fresh ingredients makes this dish pop with flavor. You want to choose quality sausages. Italian sausages bring a rich taste that sets the stage. I recommend using either mild or spicy sausages based on your preference. Next, grab some vibrant bell peppers. A red and yellow mix adds color and sweetness. The onion will provide a nice base flavor. Don't forget the garlic; it adds depth. Oregano and basil are classic Italian herbs that lift the taste. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper balance everything, while fresh tomatoes give a tasty burst. Lastly, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. All these ingredients come together to create a flavorful dinner delight. For detailed cooking steps, check out the Full Recipe. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausages to the hot oil. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them browned on all sides. Once they are done, take them out and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté these for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir them occasionally. You want them to be tender and colorful. Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Stir everything together. Let it cook for about 1 minute. This will allow the garlic to release its lovely aroma. Now, slice the cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces. Return them to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Gently stir everything to mix well. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let this mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully together. Remove the skillet from the heat when done. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. For serving, present the dish hot on a large platter. Garnish it with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. You can also serve it inside crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious Italian Sausage and Peppers! For a detailed guide, check the Full Recipe. To get perfectly cooked sausages, start by heating olive oil in your skillet. I recommend medium-high heat for about 8 to 10 minutes. This will give you that nice brown crust. Make sure to turn the sausages to brown them on all sides. After cooking, set them aside to rest. This keeps them juicy! Want to jazz up your dish? Try adding more spices! A pinch of smoked paprika can add depth. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh flavor. Don’t forget a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet tang. If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes! When serving, think outside the box! A crusty roll makes a great sandwich. You can also place the sausage and peppers over rice or creamy polenta for a hearty meal. To make it even better, top with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy every bite! {{image_4}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Instead of Italian sausage, try chicken sausage. It gives the same great taste, but it has less fat. You can also use plant-based sausage. These options are good for anyone who wants a lighter meal. They still bring lots of flavor to the table. Not a fan of bell peppers? No problem! You can swap in other seasonal vegetables. Zucchini and mushrooms work well. You could also add spinach or kale for a healthy twist. Using what is fresh and in season can make this dish even better. Need to make this dish gluten-free? Simply check the sausage label. Many brands offer gluten-free options. For a low-carb version, skip the bread and serve it over cauliflower rice. This keeps the meal tasty and friendly for different diets. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Italian Sausage and Peppers Fiesta. To keep your Italian sausage and peppers fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. They will taste best if eaten within three days. When you reheat, make sure the food is hot all the way through. Freezing this dish is easy! First, let it cool completely. Then, place the sausage and peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before warming it on the stove or in the microwave. In the fridge, this dish lasts about three days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. Keeping your food stored properly ensures that every bite remains delicious and safe to eat. You can add more red pepper flakes to the recipe. This boosts heat without changing the flavor. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. For an extra kick, include fresh jalapeños or hot sauce. Adjust the spice to your taste. This dish goes well with many sides. Try serving it with garlic bread for a classic touch. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it over rice or pasta to soak up the flavors. Roasted vegetables are another great option. Yes, you can swap herbs easily. If you don't have oregano, try thyme or rosemary instead. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a bright taste. Just remember to adjust the amount since fresh herbs are stronger. Absolutely! To make it more kid-friendly, you can use mild sausage. Cut the peppers smaller so they are easier to eat. You can also serve it with pasta or bread to make it more appealing to kids. They will love the colors and flavors! This dish comes from Italian-American cuisine. It became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. Many Italian immigrants made it using local ingredients. It reflects the hearty, rustic cooking style of Southern Italy. For detailed guidance, check out the Zesty Italian Sausage and Peppers Fiesta. This blog post covered a simple and tasty recipe for Italian sausage and peppers. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for flavor and serving. Remember, you can customize this dish with different proteins and veggies. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a milder taste, this recipe is flexible. Enjoy experimenting with it! Don’t forget to check the recipe link for all the details. Happy cooking!

38. Italian Sausage and Peppers

Get ready to spice up your dinner with this zesty Italian sausage and peppers fiesta! This delicious recipe combines juicy Italian sausages with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and fresh tomatoes for a mouthwatering meal that's perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a flavorful dish ready in no time. Click through now to discover the full recipe and elevate your weeknight cooking!
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Ingredients
  

4 Italian sausages (your choice of mild or spicy)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for those who enjoy extra heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (or one 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, drained)

A handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnishing

Instructions
 

Cook the Sausages: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausages, cooking them for about 8 to 10 minutes or until they are beautifully browned on all sides. Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.

    Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, pour in another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté these for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and vibrant.

      Incorporate Garlic and Herbs: Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stir everything together and allow it to cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.

        Combine Ingredients: Slice the cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add the chopped tomatoes, seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper. Gently stir everything until combined.

          Simmer for Flavor: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Allow the dish to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together beautifully.

            Final Touches & Serve: Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or pepper if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the zesty sausage and peppers hot on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. For a delightful twist, consider serving it inside crusty bread as a hearty sandwich, or over a comforting bed of rice or creamy polenta for a complete meal. Enjoy every flavorful bite!