# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 4 Italian sausages (approximately 14 oz), sweet or spicy, sliced into thick rounds
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced into strips
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Herbs
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
→ Polenta
13 - 4 cups water
14 - 1 teaspoon salt
15 - 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
17 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
02 - Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and bell peppers, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, approximately 8 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Return sausage to the skillet. Add diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if using, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.
05 - Bring mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
06 - Meanwhile, bring water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in cornmeal. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until polenta is thick and creamy, about 10 to 12 minutes.
07 - Stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Spoon creamy polenta onto plates. Top with sausage and pepper mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
