Sausage and Peppers

When I tell Big Pete we are having this for dinner I always say we are having "Saw-Seej and Peppas!"
It's a split, grilled hot Italian sausage with peppers, onions and garlic served on a nice soft bun. The onions and peppers go perfectly with the spicy sausage. It's a nice change for an easy lunch or dinner.

You will need:

• 2-4 hot (or mild) Italian Sausages- buy good quality sausages from a place that makes them fresh
• 1/2 onion- sliced in strips
• 1 red pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 3-4 cloves garlic- in slices
• 1/2 zucchini- sliced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil

Step 1: start with good quality fresh Italian sausages. Don't get the stuff that is pre-packaged at the grocery store. Find a place that makes a good spicy or mild fresh sausage. 

Step 2: this step is optional but, I have been doing it for years. My friend Doug once showed me that it you split the sausage down the length of it and much of the fat will run out. If you want the fat don't split it but, I think they are fatty enough even if you do split them.I will also go a step further and remove the casing. (just cause I think it's gross) The sausage will hold together no problem and has a nice smooth bite. Try it the way you like.

Step 3: slice peppers, jalapenos, onions and garlic. Start by frying the onions in a bit of olive oil on medium-low heat. Add salt and pepper. 

Step 4: once the onions have just started to brown add peppers, jalapenos, garlic and zucchini and continue cooking slowly until everything is softened and browned. This may take 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar. Cook for another few minutes. 

Step 5: set aside while you grill sausages on a hot grill. This will take a few minutes on each side. I like when they are split because they are flat and easy to turn.

Serve on a warmed, soft roll.