Cooking Italian Sausage in Sauce: A Savory Delight

Cooking Italian sausage in sauce is a fantastic way to enhance the flavors of your dish, infusing rich, savory notes into a versatile and delicious meal. This method ensures that the sausage crumbles evenly, resulting in a perfectly distributed and evenly cooked ingredient. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a mouthwatering Italian sausage sauce for your pasta, polenta, or sub rolls.

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage, sweet or hot according to your preference 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional for browning) 1 onion, chopped 3-4 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil Salt and pepper to taste Red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Browing the Sausage

Preheat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil if desired for browning. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until the sausage is golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not cook it through completely, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Sautéing Aromatics

Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Combine and Simmer

Return the browned sausage to the pan and nestle it into the sauce. Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sausage to cook through completely.

Serving

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the sausage and sauce over pasta, polenta, or in a sub roll. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired to enhance the presentation and flavor.

Tips

To add more richness to your sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Alternatively, you may choose to cook the sausage directly in the sauce without browning it first. Browning the sausage provides extra depth and flavor to the dish.

Enjoy your meticulously crafted Italian sausage in sauce, adding a touch of authenticity and depth to your meals. This versatile and flavorful sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a must-have in your cooking repertoire.