Sausage and Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic
This hearty sausage and potato recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual weekend gathering. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort, but delivers maximum flavor. This dish is adaptable to your preferences, allowing for substitutions and additions to suit your taste. Let’s dive into this delicious and satisfying recipe!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs potatoes: Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work best, peeled and cubed into approximately 1-inch pieces.
- 1 lb sausage: Choose your favorite! Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even chorizo will all add their unique flavor profile. Remove the sausage from their casings before cooking for even cooking.
- 1 large onion: Diced finely for optimal flavor distribution.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced or pressed for aromatic punch.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Or any cooking oil of your preference.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary: For a touch of herbal freshness. Fresh rosemary is even better if you have it on hand!
- 1/2 tsp salt: Adjust to your preference.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Or to taste.
- Optional additions: Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for a more complete meal. A splash of chicken broth or white wine can also elevate the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel and cube your potatoes into even-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking. Soaking them in cold water for 15 minutes can help remove excess starch.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic!
- Brown the Sausage: Add the sausage to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the potatoes, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly. Pour in about 1/2 cup of water or broth if desired, to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Cook Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot as a main course or side dish. This sausage and potato dish is delicious on its own, but you can also top it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor.
Tips for the Best Sausage and Potatoes:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large amount of potatoes and sausage, you might need to cook them in batches to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, and rosemary according to your preferences.
- Experiment with different sausages: Try different types of sausage to find your favorite combination.
- Add other vegetables: This recipe is very versatile. Add your favorite vegetables to make it a complete meal.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier dish.
This simple yet flavorful sausage and potato recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
