Description
A hearty Italian dish featuring creamy polenta topped with savory sausage in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound halal Italian-style beef or chicken sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan-style cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil.
- Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until the polenta is thick and creamy.
- Season the polenta with salt and black pepper and keep warm over very low heat.
- While the polenta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, add salt, pepper, and oregano, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Slice the cooked sausage into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet, stirring to coat with sauce. Heat for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- To serve, spoon the warm polenta onto plates or into bowls, top with sausage and sauce, and garnish with grated cheese and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use instant polenta for a quicker version—follow package directions for timing.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mix butter or milk into the polenta for extra creaminess.
- Swap sausage for mushrooms or plant-based options for a vegetarian version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated with added liquid for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
