When it comes to lunch, finding a delicious and satisfying meal can sometimes be a challenge. But fear not! We have a mouth - watering recipe that will surely elevate your mid - day dining experience. In this article, we'll be delving into the art of creating a classic Italian sausage sandwich, and we'll show you how to take it to the next level with canned fire - roasted tomatoes.
First things first, let's talk about the ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need some high - quality Italian sausages. You can choose between sweet or spicy, depending on your taste preference. Along with the sausages, gather some Italian bread rolls. The type of bread is crucial as it needs to be sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
Now, onto the star of the show: canned fire - roasted tomatoes. These tomatoes bring a unique depth of flavor to the sandwich. The fire - roasting process gives them a smoky and slightly charred taste that pairs perfectly with the rich and savory sausages. In addition to the tomatoes, you'll also need some onions, garlic, and a blend of Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme.
To start the cooking process, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium - high heat. Add the Italian sausages to the skillet and cook them until they are browned on all sides. This usually takes about 8 - 10 minutes. While the sausages are cooking, you can start preparing the tomato sauce. In another small skillet, heat a little more olive oil and add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they are translucent, which should take about 3 - 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Next, open the can of fire - roasted tomatoes and pour them into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Use a fork or a potato masher to break up the tomatoes a bit. Add the Italian herbs to the tomato mixture and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 - 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time.
Once the sausages are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. If there is a lot of fat in the skillet, you can drain some of it out. Then, pour the tomato sauce into the same skillet where the sausages were cooked. Place the sausages back into the skillet with the sauce and let them simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the sausages to absorb some of the delicious tomato flavor.
Now, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Take the Italian bread rolls and cut them in half lengthwise. You can lightly toast the insides of the rolls if you prefer a crunchier texture. Place the cooked sausages onto the bottom half of the roll. Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the sausages, making sure to get a good amount of the flavorful tomatoes and herbs.
You can also add some additional toppings to your sandwich. Some shredded mozzarella cheese is a great addition. Sprinkle the cheese over the sausages and sauce, and then place the top half of the roll on. If you like a bit of freshness, you can add some sliced lettuce, tomatoes (raw this time), or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
This Italian sausage sandwich with fire - roasted tomatoes is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can adjust the recipe according to your personal taste. If you're a vegetarian, you can use vegetarian sausages instead. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or focaccia, to add a different texture to the sandwich.
Moreover, this sandwich makes for a great meal prep option. You can cook a large batch of the sausages and the tomato sauce on the weekend and then assemble the sandwiches throughout the week. It's a quick and easy lunch that you can take to work, school, or enjoy at home.
In conclusion, using canned fire - roasted tomatoes to rev up a classic Italian sausage sandwich is a game - changer. The smoky flavor of the tomatoes adds a new dimension to the traditional sandwich, making it a must - try for lunch lovers. So, head to your kitchen, gather the ingredients, and start cooking this amazing lunch recipe today!