Who doesn’t love a big, greasy sausage and peppers sandwich on an Italian roll? Well, me for one.   While others sigh as they bite into an oil-soaked, crusty roll, making sure they get a piece of sausage and some peppers and onions in each bite, I look on in wonderment. How many sausage and peppers sandwiches can one eat in a lifetime? You simply must have one every time you attend an Italian sidewalk Feast. You cannot walk the Jersey Shore boardwalk without stopping for one of these sandwiches, as the aroma will follow and haunt you from one end of the boardwalk to the other. Tailgating would not be tailgating, if you didn’t unwrap one of these piping hot treats before or after the game. And let’s not forget the family barbecues. No matter what, you can always count on the sausage and peppers to appear at some point in the meal. Whether you want it or not, you will always find room.

I have spent a lifetime explaining myself to those who can’t understand how I can pass up this Italian staple.   That is until now. I have finally found a way to make this dish so that I too can indulge. I’m not going to lie and say that this is close to what you might get on the boardwalk, but by using fresh, sweet peppers and the finest quality sausage you can find; baking instead of frying; and controlling the amount of high quality olive oil, you will have a more delicate, yet very reminiscent version of sausage and peppers.   Sure, put it on a roll. Even let some of the oil soak into the soft part of the bread. You won’t be disappointed. It’s so good that I have been turned into a believer.

RECIPE:  serves 4

1 pound Italian sausage

5 or 6 sweet bell peppers, sliced and seeds removed,  different colors…..I like the red and orange and yellow, but you can    include green

1 yellow onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, sliced

3 TBSP olive oil

2 tsp, kosher or sea salt

freshly ground pepper to taste

4 Italian rolls, optional

1.  Combine peppers, onions and garlic in a roasting pan.  Add oil, salt and pepper and mix well.
2. Add the sausage to the pan, and cover with aluminum foil.
3. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 25 minutes.  Uncover, stir and cook for another 10 minutes.
4. When serving, take as much oil from the pan as you like.