Summer Sausage Skillet with Andouille Sausage

Description of this recipe: This Summer Sausage Skillet with Andouille Sausage is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the smoky richness of andouille sausage with the freshness of summer vegetables. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The creamy, herbaceous Basil Cilantro Crema adds a delightful finishing touch, elevating the dish to a new level of deliciousness.

Why you will love this recipe: You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile and customizable. It’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that can be easily adapted to your preferences. The combination of smoky sausage, sweet peppers, tender zucchini, and charred corn creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s a complete meal that requires minimal cleanup, making it a winner in every way!

Introduction

This Summer Sausage Skillet with Andouille Sausage is a culinary masterpiece. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Imagine the sizzle of the sausage as it hits the hot pan, the sweet aroma of peppers and onions caramelizing, and the vibrant colors of fresh zucchini and corn mingling together. This skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. This is the perfect healthy meal for a balanced diet to get your daily dose of vegetables.

The inspiration for this recipe came from a desire to create a simple yet flavorful dish that could showcase the best of summer produce. I wanted something that was quick enough for a weeknight meal but also impressive enough to serve to guests. And, of course, it had to be absolutely delicious! The addition of Andouille sausage adds a smoky kick, while the Basil Cilantro Crema provides a cooling and refreshing counterpoint. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is all about using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The Andouille sausage should be sourced from a reputable butcher or deli to ensure the best flavor. The vegetables should be ripe and in season for optimal sweetness and texture. And the herbs should be fresh and fragrant to create the most vibrant crema.

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the Summer Sausage Skillet

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 13.5 oz Andouille Sausage, sliced about 1/2 in thick
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 orange pepper, chopped
• 2 small to medium zucchini, sliced and quartered
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/8 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 ears of corn
• Additional sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
• For topping: 1/8 cup of basil and cilantro each
• Optional: Poblano or Jalapeno pepper for those who like a little more heat or spice.

Basil Cilantro Crema

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup basil, packed
• 1/4 cup cilantro, packed
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• Juice from half a lime (About 1/2 – 1 tbsp)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Basil Cilantro Crema. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, basil, cilantro, extra virgin olive oil, garlic salt, white pepper, and lime juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use. This can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables. Dice the red onion, chop the red and orange peppers, and slice and quarter the zucchini. If using, finely chop the Poblano or Jalapeno pepper. Remove the kernels from the cooked corn cobs. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the sausage. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 3 minutes per side, or until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet, add the diced red onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Add the chopped red and orange peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until slightly charred. Add the zucchini, garlic salt, sea salt, and fresh cracked black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent burning. The zucchini should be slightly tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine and finish. Add the cooked corn kernels and sausage back to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until heated through. Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the burner. Allow to cool for about 3 minutes, then stir in the fresh basil and cilantro.

COOKING Rating:

• Ease of Preparation: Easy
• Flavor Complexity: Medium
• Overall Rating: 5/5 stars

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Summer Sausage Skillet alone as a complete meal.
• Drizzle generously with the Basil Cilantro Crema.
• Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a heartier meal.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Garnish with additional fresh basil and cilantro.

Tips:

• For a spicier dish, add a finely chopped Poblano or Jalapeno pepper to the skillet along with the other vegetables.
• To prevent the zucchini from becoming too soggy, make sure the pan is hot before adding it and don’t overcrowd the skillet.
• If you don’t have fresh corn on the cob, you can use frozen corn kernels instead. Just add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to heat them through.
• Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as mushrooms, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes.
• The Basil Cilantro Crema can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information: (Approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients used)

Calories: 550

Protein: 30g

Sodium: 800mg

Conclusion

The Summer Sausage Skillet with Andouille Sausage is a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of smoky sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy herb sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, this skillet is the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!

5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe

Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage?

A: Absolutely! While Andouille sausage adds a wonderful smoky flavor, you can easily substitute it with another type of sausage that you prefer, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even kielbasa. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile of the dish will change slightly depending on the type of sausage you use.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the sausage. To add some protein and flavor, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans to the skillet along with the vegetables. You could also add some crumbled feta cheese or grilled halloumi for a salty and savory element.

Q3: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A: If you like a little more heat, you can add a finely chopped Poblano or Jalapeno pepper to the skillet along with the other vegetables. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Basil Cilantro Crema.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While the skillet is best served fresh, you can definitely prepare some of the components ahead of time. The Basil Cilantro Crema can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also chop the vegetables and cook the corn ahead of time. When you’re ready to assemble the skillet, simply sauté the vegetables and add the sausage and corn to heat through.

Q5: What other toppings would go well with this skillet?

A: There are many other toppings that would complement this skillet beautifully! Some ideas include:

• Crumbled cotija or queso fresco cheese
• Pickled onions or jalapeños
• Avocado slices
• A sprinkle of toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze