Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers
Ina Garten's Sausage and Peppers involves cooking sausages with sweet bell peppers and onions, often seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. The sausages are usually browned and then simmered with the peppers and onions, creating a tasty dish. Ina Garten's version highlights her trademark easy-to-follow, yet refined, cooking style, resulting in a dish that's accessible for both novice and experienced home cooks alike.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds about 6 links Sweet Italian Sausage (Substitute with spicy or chicken sausage if preferred)
- 3 large Bell Peppers 1 red, 1 yellow, and 1 green, sliced into thin strips
- 2 medium Onions yellow or red, sliced into thin strips
- 2 –3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper or to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley chopped
- Spices: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat, if using sweet sausage
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes or 2 medium fresh tomatoes chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by slicing the bell peppers and onions into thin strips. Mince the garlic, and slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces (if you prefer them chopped before cooking, or keep them whole if you want to slice them later).
Cook the Sausages
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausages and cook them until they are browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside. If you like, you can cut the sausages into smaller pieces at this stage or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Add the sliced onions and peppers, cooking them until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine the Sausages and Veggies
- Return the cooked sausages to the pan with the peppers and onions. Stir to combine everything evenly. If you're adding any optional ingredients like herbs, spices, or tomatoes, now is the time to incorporate them into the mix. If using tomatoes, allow the mixture to simmer for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Simmer and Serve
- Once the sausages are cooked through and the flavors have melded, the dish is ready to serve. You can garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added color and flavor. Serve it as is or with a side of crusty bread or over pasta, rice, or polenta for a more complete meal.