Sausage, Potatoes, Onions and Peppers

This is Italian farm food at it's best and has always been a family favorite. A one-pot meal with only five ingredients that can be made in minutes.

1-1/2 lbs of potatoes, diced into 1" cubes
1 pound sweet Italian sausage
4 cloves of garlic, lightly crushed
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
2 red bell peppers, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy bottomed skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the potatoes and toss quickly to coat with the hot oil. Let them brown in an even layer for 2-3 minutes, or until one side is crusty and brown. Toss potatoes to brown on other sides. Clear a small well on the side of the pan and place the remaining oil, the peppers and onions. Lightly brown the vegetables, add the garlic and toss into the potatoes. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 additional minutes making sure not to burn the garlic.

When the potatoes are nicely browned all over, clear the center of the pan and place the sausage links into the pan, searing them on one side for 2 minutes or so. Flip the sausages and spread the potatoes, peppers and onions all around the pan. Lower the heat and place a lid on the skillet and cook for another 10 or 12 minutes. Lift the lid, pierce the sausage. If sausage juices run clear they are cooked. Try a potato to make sure they are cooked through. If you like, you can remove the sausage to a cutting board and cut into chunks or slices, then return to the pan. This will keep warm in 190 degree oven while you finish the meal. Serve immediately with a side dish of sauteed escarole or swiss chard.

Cook's Note: Turkey, chicken or hot Italian sausages can be subsituted as well as different types of potatoes and different colored peppers.