Savor the Flavor: Spicy Turkey Sausage with Peppers and Onions
Indulge in this vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy sweet Italian turkey sausage sautéed with colorful bell peppers and caramelized onions, all simmered together in a rich and aromatic sauce. Inspired by a beloved recipe from Food Network's Giada, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Even if you find yourself without Marsala wine, you can easily substitute with homemade goodness, as I did. Whether served as a comforting casserole or piled onto fresh Italian sandwich buns, this recipe is sure to delight your palate with every bite. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal you won't forget!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Sweet Italian turkey sausage
1 lb (cooked and sliced into 1-inch pieces)
Red bell peppers
2 (sliced)
Yellow onions
2 (sliced)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh basil leaf
1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (chopped)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
Marsala wine
1 cup (substitutes can be used)
Diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Fresh Italian sandwich buns
4-6 (optional, split and hollowed)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the sweet Italian turkey sausage, cooking on each side until browned, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Once done, remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside to drain on paper towels.
3
In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell peppers, yellow onions, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to become golden and tender.
4
Add the dried oregano, fresh chopped basil, and chopped garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until aromatic.
5
Stir in the tomato paste and mix well. Gradually add the Marsala wine (or your chosen substitute), diced tomatoes, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful brown bits, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
6
Cut the cooked sausages into 4 to 6 pieces (about 1-inch cubes) and return them to the skillet. Stir to combine, and let the entire mixture simmer until the sauce thickens, usually around 20 minutes.
7
For serving, you can ladle the sausage and pepper mixture into bowls for a hearty meal. Alternatively, for a delightful sandwich experience, split fresh Italian sandwich buns lengthwise, hollow out the bottom of each bun, and carefully fill with the sausage mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy the bursting flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in this recipe?
The primary protein is 1 lb of sweet Italian turkey sausage.
How long does it take to brown the turkey sausage?
The sausage should be cooked on each side for approximately 7 to 10 minutes until browned.
What types of peppers are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 sliced red bell peppers.
Can I substitute the Marsala wine?
Yes, you can use homemade goodness or other suitable substitutes if you do not have Marsala wine.
What kind of onions are recommended?
The recipe specifies using 2 sliced yellow onions.
How much garlic is required for this recipe?
You will need 4 chopped garlic cloves.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It can be spicy if you include the optional 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
How should the sausages be cut after browning?
The cooked sausages should be cut into 4 to 6 pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes.
What is the recommended serving method for a sandwich?
Split fresh Italian sandwich buns lengthwise, hollow out the bottom, and fill with the sausage mixture.
How long should the sauce simmer after adding the sausages back?
The mixture should simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Who inspired this recipe?
This dish is inspired by a recipe from Food Network's Giada.
What dried herb is included in the ingredients?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Can I use fresh basil?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of fresh chopped basil leaf.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil is used to heat the skillet.
What type of salt is best for this dish?
The recipe recommends using 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
What size of diced tomatoes should I buy?
One 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes is required.
How do I release the flavorful brown bits from the pan?
Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon after adding the liquid ingredients.
What should I do with the sausages immediately after browning?
Remove them from the skillet and set them aside to drain on paper towels.
How long do the peppers and onions need to cook?
They should be cooked for about 5 minutes until golden and tender.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients listed in the recipe.
Can this be served without bread?
Yes, it can be served as a hearty meal ladled into bowls, similar to a casserole.
What kind of cookware is recommended?
A large, heavy skillet is recommended for even heating and cooking.
Is fresh ground black pepper necessary?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper for the best flavor profile.
What is a good side dish to pair with this meal?
A fresh side salad pairs perfectly for a complete meal.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include turkey, sausage, italian, comfort food, and easy recipe.
How many sandwich buns are needed for the mixture?
The recipe suggests having 4 to 6 fresh Italian sandwich buns ready.
When should the herbs and garlic be added?
Add the dried oregano, fresh basil, and chopped garlic after the onions and peppers have become golden.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family dinners or gatherings due to its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation.
What should the texture of the sauce be when finished?
The sauce should be simmered until it thickens, providing a rich and aromatic coating for the sausage and vegetables.