Hello, wonderful readers! Al here, back with another delightful recipe for you to try at home. Today, I am excited to share a dish that has become a family favorite in our house: Savory Sicilian Sausage and Red Pepper Ragù.
Now, you all know how much I enjoy diving into different cuisines and exploring a world of flavors right from my kitchen. This time, we’re traveling to sunny Sicily, an Italian paradise where vibrant flavors and hearty meals reign supreme. Our dish today is a perfect representation of that – rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
Life with four children can get pretty hectic, so having a go-to recipe that’s both easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing is essential. This ragù ticks all the boxes. With its juicy Italian sausage, sweet red bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, it’s a feast for the senses. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables for the kids without any complaints!
To start, you’ll need some good-quality Italian sausage. I always find that the better the sausage, the richer the flavor. The red bell peppers add a lovely sweetness that balances out the hearty sausage. You’ll also need some pantry staples: canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine to deepen the flavors – because, let’s be honest, a bit of wine makes everything better, doesn’t it?
The beauty of this dish is how the flavors meld together as it simmers on the stove. While the sauce bubbles away, you’ll have just enough time to cook your pasta to perfection. I usually go for penne or rigatoni, as these shapes hold the sauce beautifully. Top it off with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil, and you’ve got a dinner that’s sure to impress.
And there you have it! A taste of Sicily that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or even entertaining friends. This Savory Sicilian Sausage and Red Pepper Ragù has quickly become a beloved staple in our home, and I’m sure it will in yours too. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Until next time, happy cooking!
-Al
Ingredients
– 500g Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 red bell peppers, diced
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 400g can of crushed tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1/2 cup (125ml) dry red wine
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 300g pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Method
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Pour in the dry red wine, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the ragù simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
10. Serve the Sicilian Sausage and Red Pepper Ragù over the cooked pasta. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
