Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Ingredients:

• 4 Italian sausages (mild or hot, based on preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (optional, for more sauce)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup white wine or chicken broth (optional, for deglazing)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread or cooked pasta (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausages:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausages. Brown them on all sides for about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside. (They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.)
2. Sauté the Peppers and Onions:
   • In the same skillet, add the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for about 7-8 minutes until they start to soften. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Tomatoes (Optional):
   • If you want a saucier dish, add the can of diced tomatoes at this stage. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Return the Sausages:
   • Place the sausages back into the skillet, nestling them among the peppers and onions. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sausages are fully cooked through.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.