Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Then look no further! This pineapple and sausage dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. It's the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, offering a refreshing twist on classic sausage preparation. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your preference!)
- 1 large pineapple, peeled, cored, and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing if necessary. Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the olive oil to the same skillet. Add the red bell pepper and red onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the cubed pineapple, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine everything nicely.
-
Cook to Perfection: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pineapple to slightly soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve hot, as is, or over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a more complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes. A dash of your favorite hot sauce would also work wonders.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even some chopped jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it a one-pan meal: For an even easier cleanup, roast everything on a large baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the pineapple is tender.
- Citrus Burst: A squeeze of lime juice at the end adds a bright, refreshing element.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of sausage and serving size. However, a typical serving will contain approximately:
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This delicious pineapple and sausage recipe is a testament to how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be. It's a perfect example of a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish!