Snug Harbor Wine

Sausage and Peppers

Serves 4

What to Pair With

When summer cooking, especially on the grill, I don’t care much for wine rules. Part of what we remember about food and wine parings has just as much to do with the environment and place as the flavors. I can see sitting outside with friends enjoying this recipe and serving a number of different drinks. A crisp lager, margarita or spritzer are all considerations.

This might be a familiar meal whether at the ball park, a summer barbecue or a family favorite. Sweet onions and peppers mixed with spicy sausage and creamy cheese on a chewy roll hits all the feels and fills you up.

To me, the special part of the dish is the onion and pepper preparation. On its own, Italians call this peperonata and is served on pasta, bread and as a side dish. The secret is a splash of vinegar right at the end to brighten up the flavors.

I did not add the tomato sauce for this recipe as it traditional but feel free to add them to yours. I cooked this meal this on the grill with a flat top, so I was committed to getting the vegetables soft but not caramelized giving them a stewed texture. Which ever way you cook yours, don’t forget the final garnish of oil, vinegar and salt.

I served my sandwiches with some delicious products of nearby companies. Wrap City potato chips have a touch of sugar that make them addictive. For an extra kick of vinegar, I added a Grillo’s pickle. Enjoy!

Ingredients

4-5 Italian sausage links (sweet or spicy) 3 bell peppers (red, yellow or orange) 1 large onion 3 tbsp sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar) 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp salt 2 tsp oregano Sliced provolone cheese (or mozzarella), optional Rolls or baguette

Preparation

Light half off your grill. Using a stainless steel pan, cast iron or even a sheet pan, cook the onions and peppers until soft. On the until side of the grill place the sausage and cover. Cook about 8 min per side. Move the sausage to the hot side to finish cooking, another 2-3 min per side. Place the pepper and onions in a bowl. Add the vinegar, oil, salt and oregano and combine. Split the rolls 3/4 of the way through and open them up. Remove some of the bread inside. Place the cheese on the rolls and add the rolls to the until side of the grill. Cover and cook until cheese is melted. Assemble sandwiches and serve.

Chris Chisholm is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a graduate of Boston University Wine Studies and Wine Making programs. He is also a graduate of Cook Street School of Culinary Arts in Denver, CO. He has worked as a personal chef and chef instructor.

If you have any questions, email Chris at chris@snugharborwine.com. You can also follow Chris on Instagram @winechefchris for more delicious food photos!

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