Fried Potatoes and Onions/Peppers

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fried potatoes and onions/peppers with smoked sausage—a hearty dish perfect for satisfying appetites. This recipe celebrates the robust combination of red potatoes, onions, bell peppers, smoked sausage, and mushrooms, all seasoned to perfection and roasted to golden perfection. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish promises a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby red potatoes (regular red or gold potatoes are also suitable), cut into 1 – 1 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 onion, sliced into thick half circles
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms (baby Bella, white button, etc.), halved or quartered
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 Tablespoon spice/dry herbs blend
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley, thyme, chives, dill, etc.)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. If using a convection setting, activate it. Place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven to preheat along with it.
2. Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into 1 – 1½ inch pieces. Place them in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the potatoes are halfway cooked. Drain.
3. While the potatoes cook, prepare the remaining ingredients. Halve or quarter the mushrooms, slice the onions into thick half circles, cut the bell pepper into 1-inch pieces, and slice the sausage into 1-inch pieces.
4. In a large bowl, combine the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh thyme, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dry herb blend.
5. Once the potatoes are halfway cooked, gently toss them with the mushroom and pepper mixture, along with the sausage.
6. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and quickly spread the ingredients out in a single layer.
7. Roast in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are cooked through and golden brown, turning everything over halfway through cooking. Optionally, broil the dish during the last few minutes for added browning and slight char.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Tips:

• Prep all ingredients ahead of time without placing them on the baking sheet. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, preheat the oven with the rimmed baking sheet in it and then proceed with the rest of the steps.

Conclusion:
With its enticing aroma and delightful medley of flavors, fried potatoes and onions/peppers with smoked sausage stands as a versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion. Enjoy the simplicity of its preparation and the richness of its taste as it becomes a staple in your culinary repertoire, inviting warmth and comfort to every meal.

1. Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

• Absolutely! While the recipe suggests baby red potatoes, you can easily substitute them with regular red potatoes or gold potatoes. The key is to ensure that the potatoes are cut into uniform pieces, roughly 1 – 1½ inch in size, to ensure even cooking throughout the dish. Different potato varieties may offer slight variations in texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.

1. What are some suitable alternatives for smoked sausage or kielbasa?

• If you prefer to explore different flavors or are looking for alternative protein options, there are several substitutes you can consider. Smoked turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausages made from plant-based ingredients can be excellent alternatives to traditional smoked sausage or kielbasa. Ensure that whatever substitute you choose is cut into 1-inch pieces, similar to the instructions for the main recipe, to maintain consistency in cooking time and flavor distribution.

1. How can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?

• Seasoning preferences can vary widely among individuals, and this recipe offers flexibility in adjusting flavors according to your taste preferences. The spice/dry herbs blend mentioned in the recipe can be customized based on your favorite herbs and spices. Additionally, you can increase or decrease the amount of garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations or add a hint of spice with crushed red pepper flakes or paprika for an extra kick.

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance to streamline mealtime preparations or for convenience. One option is to prep all the ingredients as directed in the recipe, excluding placing them onto the baking sheet. Store the prepped ingredients in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply preheat the oven with the rimmed baking sheet in it and proceed with the remaining steps of the recipe. This make-ahead option allows you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal last-minute effort.

1. How can I ensure the vegetables and sausage cook evenly during roasting?

• To ensure even cooking and optimal browning, it’s essential to spread the ingredients out in a single layer on the preheated baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate evenly around each piece, promoting uniform cooking and caramelization. Additionally, be sure to turn the ingredients over halfway through the cooking time to ensure that all sides are evenly roasted. If you notice certain areas browning more quickly than others, you can gently redistribute the ingredients to ensure consistent cooking throughout the dish.

1. Are there any serving suggestions or accompaniments that pair well with this dish?

• Fried potatoes and onions/peppers with smoked sausage is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying one-pan meal. However, you can also pair it with additional side dishes or accompaniments to create a more robust meal. For example, serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can add freshness and balance to the meal. Alternatively, you can serve it with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any flavorful juices from the dish. Experiment with different combinations to find what best complements your taste preferences and dietary needs.