1 . “Bracioli”
2 . Fried hot Italian sausage
1. “Bracioli”
Recipe for beef bracioli:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
For the Bracioli:
- Thin slices of beef (such as flank steak), pounded thin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, pepper, pine nuts (if using), and raisins (if using). Mix well.
- Prepare the Bracioli:
- Lay out the thin slices of beef and season with salt and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the filling on each slice of beef.
- Roll up the beef slices, securing them with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Sear the Bracioli:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the bracioli on all sides until browned. This step helps to lock in flavor.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Place the seared bracioli in the tomato sauce.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Serve:
- Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.
- Serve the bracioli with the tomato sauce, and you can accompany it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Enjoy your delicious homemade bracioli!
2 . Fried hot Italian sausage
Fried hot Italian sausage is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in various recipes. Here’s a simple recipe for frying hot Italian sausage:
Ingredients:
- Hot Italian sausages
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the Pan: Place a skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes.
- Add Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: If your sausages are lean, you may want to add a small amount of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking and add flavor. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray.
- Place the Sausages in the Pan: Carefully add the hot Italian sausages to the hot pan. Use tongs to avoid splattering hot oil.
- Fry the Sausages: Cook the sausages, turning them occasionally to ensure even browning. The sausages are typically done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or higher. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the sausages.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure that the sausages are fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The juices should run clear when pierced.
- Serve: Once the sausages are fully cooked and have a nice golden-brown color, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Optional: Sautéed Onions and Peppers: For an extra burst of flavor, you can sauté onions and bell peppers in the same pan after removing the sausages. Cook until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Enjoy: Serve the fried hot Italian sausages on a plate with your favorite sides, such as a side of vegetables, pasta, or crusty bread.
Feel free to get creative and use the fried hot Italian sausages in sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as a topping for pizza. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of the sausages make them a versatile and tasty addition to many meals.
