Hey there, fellow foodies!
I’m SO excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you today: Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers. This dish is perfect for those nights when you crave something warm, hearty, and just a little bit spicy. Plus, it’s packed with veggies and flavor, making it a go-to for anyone into healthy food recipes.
Living the suburban life has its perks—like having access to fresh, locally sourced produce and amazing local meats. This is where my love for Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers was born. I mean, who can resist the savory goodness of Italian sausage combined with the vibrant crunch of bell peppers? Let’s dig in!
**Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (go for the good stuff from your local butcher if you can!)
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prep Your Ingredients:**
Slice your bell peppers and onions. Mince the garlic. Have everything ready to go before you start cooking—that’s the secret to keeping things stress-free in the kitchen!
2. **Cook the Sausage:**
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
*Pro Tip:* If you’re a fan of making healthy food recipes, try turkey sausage for a leaner option.
3. **Sauté the Veggies:**
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Throw in the sliced onions and cook until they start to get tender, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the peppers begin to soften.
*Personal Insight:* I love a bit of char on my veggies, so sometimes I crank up the heat for the last minute or two!
4. **Add Garlic & Seasonings:**
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
5. **Simmer Down:**
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer together for about 15-20 minutes. This lets all those delicious flavors meld together.
*Fun Fact:* This is one of those healthy food recipes that actually tastes even better the next day. So, make extra for leftovers!
6. **Serve & Enjoy:**
Garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy and serve hot. This dish is fantastic on its own, over a bed of quinoa, or alongside some whole-grain pasta.
There you have it! A super easy, flavor-packed meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Plus, I have to say, it looks pretty impressive on the plate. Perfect for those Instagram shots—don’t forget to tag me if you try it!
Thanks for stopping by, and as always, happy cooking!
With love and spice,
[Your Name]