Italian Sausages with Creamy Polenta

Recipe

Italian Sausages with Creamy Polenta

Salsicce Italiane con Polenta Cremosa

4.6 out of 5

In Italian cuisine, we have taken inspiration from the classic British dish, Bangers and Mash, and transformed it into a delightful Italian twist. This recipe combines flavorful Italian sausages with creamy polenta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that will transport you to the heart of Italy.

Jan Dec
Sausage Dish› Bangers and Mash
European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Cuisines of the [[Islands of the North Atlantic]] (IONA)› British cuisine
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

25 minutes

Total time

35 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Gluten-free, Dairy-free (if using dairy-free sausages and omitting cheese and butter), Low-carb (if using cauliflower mash instead of polenta), Keto-friendly (if using cauliflower mash instead of polenta), Paleo-friendly (if using cauliflower mash instead of polenta)

Allergens

Dairy (Parmesan cheese, butter)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Nut-free, Egg-free, Soy-free

Ingredients

While the original British Bangers and Mash typically uses pork sausages and mashed potatoes, this Italian adaptation replaces the pork sausages with Italian sausages, which are seasoned with herbs and spices. Additionally, the mashed potatoes are substituted with creamy polenta, a traditional Italian cornmeal dish. We alse have the original recipe for Bangers and Mash, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
  • Fat: 30g (total), 12g (saturated)
  • Carbohydrates: 25g (total), 2g (sugars)
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2.
    Grill or cook the Italian sausages until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
  3. 3.
    In a medium saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil.
  4. 4.
    Slowly pour the polenta into the boiling liquid, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
  5. 5.
    Reduce the heat to low and simmer the polenta, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until it thickens.
  6. 6.
    Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and well combined.
  7. 7.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. 8.
    Serve the Italian sausages on a bed of creamy polenta.
  9. 9.
    Garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Italian sausages — Ensure they are fully cooked before serving.
  • Polenta — Whisk continuously while adding to the boiling liquid to prevent lumps from forming.
  • Parmesan cheese — Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
  • Butter — Use unsalted butter for better control of the saltiness.
  • Fresh parsley — Chop the parsley just before garnishing to retain its vibrant color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, you can grill the Italian sausages over charcoal or wood for a smoky taste.
  • Experiment with different types of Italian sausages, such as spicy or fennel-infused, to add variety to the dish.
  • If you prefer a creamier polenta, you can add more milk or cream while cooking.
  • Serve with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad to add more color and nutrients to the meal.
  • Leftover polenta can be refrigerated and sliced into squares, then pan-fried until crispy for a delicious snack or side dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian Sausages with Creamy Polenta hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. Place the sausages on top of a generous portion of creamy polenta and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, arrange the Italian sausages diagonally on the creamy polenta, drizzle with a touch of olive oil, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Add a sprig of fresh parsley on top for a finishing touch.

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