This dish is very similar to the typical Italian sausage and peppers with a few changes. Instead of all green bell peppers, this one uses 3 different combinations of colors of the bell peppers. It is also served with polenta. It is comfort food at its bes
Sausage and peppers:
5-6 raw Italian sausage, hot or mild (already cooked sausage should not be used)
olive oil
1 large onion, peeled, halved and sliced
3 large bell peppers,1 red,1 yellow,1 green, washed, halved, seeded and sliced
23 oz. tomato or spaghetti sauce
1 T. mixed dried Italian herbs: mixture of thyme, basil, sage, marjoram, oregano, or your favorites
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Polenta:
3 c. water
1 t. salt
1 c. yellow corn meal
2 T. butter
1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Brush sausages with a bit of olive oil; poke in a few places with a sharp knife or a fork.
Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat; brown sausages for about 3 minutes per side, or use a grill pan if wanting grill marks on the sausages. Set sausages aside on a platter.
Put a little olive oil in the skillet; add onions; saute, stirring often, for a few minutes; add bell peppers; stir fry a few minutes until peppers have softened but are still firm. Don't overcook or they will lose their wonderful colors and flavors. They will cook more in the oven. Add tomato sauce and mixed dried herbs, at least a tablespoon; season with salt and pepper; stir. Add sausages back into the skillet, nestling them down into the sauce. Bring up to a simmer. Cover the skillet; bake about 40-45 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling throughout and the sausages are cooked through.
Prepare polenta during the last 10 minutes of sausage cooking time. Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan; sprinkle in the cornmeal, while whisking. Cook, stirring or whisking constantly, for about 5 minutes. Be careful, if the polenta sputters, turn the heat down.
Stir in butter, cheese, and black pepper; mix well.
Spoon polenta into large serving bowls or plates; top with sausage and peppers; garnish with Parmesan cheese.
***This can be cooked entirely on the stove top, if preferred.
4-5 servings.