Sausages in Tomato Sauce: A Hearty Italian Comfort Dish
If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful, and hearty dish that combines tender sausages with a savory tomato-based sauce, then look no further than this classic Italian recipe for Sausages in Tomato Sauce. This dish, also known as Salsicce al Sugo, is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or any occasion that calls for a warm, comforting meal. The combination of well-seasoned sausages, soft caramelized onions, and a robust tomato sauce will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Serves: 4
Category: Main Course (Secondi Piatti)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sausages (Italian-style, preferably) | 660g |
| White onions (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Tomato paste (concentrated) | 230g |
| Water | 500g |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Salt (to taste) | q.b. |
| Black pepper (to taste) | q.b. |
| Extra virgin olive oil | q.b. |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Onions:
Start by peeling and thinly slicing the white onion. This is an important step, as the onions will caramelize and become soft, creating a deliciously aromatic base for the dish. -
Cook the Onions:
Heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and cook them gently, stirring occasionally. Let the onions sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and take on a golden hue. -
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
While the onions are cooking, mix the concentrated tomato paste with water to create the sauce. Stir the two ingredients together in a bowl until well combined, ensuring the tomato paste dissolves fully in the water. This simple mixture will form the rich base of the sauce. -
Cook the Sausages:
Once the onions are softened and lightly caramelized, add the sausages to the pan. Depending on the size of your sausages, you can either leave them whole or slice them into pieces to make them easier to serve. Stir the sausages into the onions and let them brown slightly on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. -
Season the Dish:
Add the bay leaves to the pan for an aromatic infusion. Season the sausages and onions with salt and black pepper to taste. The seasoning will enhance the flavors of the sausages, making them savory and rich. -
Simmer the Dish:
Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the sausages and onions. Stir to combine everything, ensuring the sausages are well-coated with the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the dish simmer for about 25 minutes. This gentle simmer will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the sausages will cook through, becoming tender and juicy. -
Adjust the Sauce:
After 25 minutes of simmering, check the consistency of the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 5–10 minutes to reduce the liquid to your desired thickness. If you prefer a more saucy dish, you can keep the lid on and simmer for the original time. -
Serve:
Once the sausages are tender, the onions are soft, and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, it’s time to serve. Pair this dish with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a side of vegetables to complete your meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Tips and Variations:
- Add Extra Vegetables: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can add diced bell peppers or carrots to the pan along with the onions.
- Spicy Sausages: If you enjoy a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausages or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Herb Variations: While bay leaves work wonderfully in this dish, you can experiment with adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these sausages in tomato sauce with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables. A simple green salad or a side of sautéed greens like spinach would complement the dish perfectly.
This dish is a true Italian comfort food, with tender sausages simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family or hosting friends for dinner, Sausages in Tomato Sauce will undoubtedly become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy your homemade meal, and buon appetito!
