Verretta alla Toscana

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) sweet Italian sausage 500g (1.1 lb) sweet Italian sausage
• 500g (1.1 lb) spicy Italian sausage 500g (1.1 lb) spicy Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 250g (8.8 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded 250g (8.8 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 35g (total), 12g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (total), 5g (sugars)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Remove the casings from the sweet and spicy Italian sausages and crumble the meat into the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Transfer the sausage and tomato sauce mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Italian sausage — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use only sweet Italian sausage instead of a combination of sweet and spicy. Make sure to remove the casings before cooking.
• Mozzarella cheese — For a gooey and melty texture, use fresh mozzarella cheese instead of pre-shredded. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique twist.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a touch of freshness, garnish the Verretta alla Toscana with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.
• Serve the dish with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.
• Pair the Verretta alla Toscana with a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine to complement the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Verretta alla Toscana hot, straight from the oven, as the melted cheese adds an irresistible gooeyness to the dish. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, transfer the Verretta alla Toscana to individual serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil leaves on top to add a pop of color. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a glass of red wine to create an inviting and elegant dining experience.