A path is chosen.
In my journey as a food blogger, I’ve gone through many phases. From considering culinary school to exploring food science, one thing remained clear: I didn’t want to be a professional chef. Cooking at home is enjoyable, but I fear a professional kitchen would extinguish my passion.
Ironically, I’ve been cooking more lately, thanks to a newfound love interest. When I saw the opportunity to create a “New Tra-Dish” using a Ragú® recipe, I jumped at the chance. It was a challenge; I’d never altered a recipe before. Plus, any excuse to cook for her is a good one.
I grew up on Ragú®. Their Old World Style® Traditional Sauce, made with 11 juicy tomatoes, is their richest and thickest. I used it as the base for my Sausage & Peppers dish, a simple yet versatile Italian classic. I swapped sweet Italian sausages for hot ones and added green bell peppers to balance the heat.
To the sauce, I added an extra tomato, oregano, parsley, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. After simmering for 40 minutes, it was ready to be tossed with rigatoni and enjoyed.
I may not want to be a chef, but I can certainly cook up a delicious meal every now and then. I’ve found my path. If you try my recipe, let me know what you think!
Special bonus: Visit www.RaguSweeps.com to enter the Ragú Better and Better Sweepstakes for a chance to win great Authentic Italian themed prizes and a grand prize trip to Venice for a family of four. That would be a great trip!
Abbreviated Sweepstakes Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years and older. Ends 5/6/14. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, alternate method of entry, and prize descriptions, visit www.RaguSweeps.com. Void where prohibited.
- 1 Green Bell Pepper
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper
- 1 White Onion
- 1 Garlic Clove (minced)
- 6 Hot Italian Sausages (Sliced)
- 1 jar Ragú® Old World Style Traditional sauce
- Rigatoni Pasta
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Italian Seasoning
- Parsley Flakes
- Black Peppercorn
- Sea Salt (or Kosher)
- Cayenne Pepper
- Cut Bell Peppers, Onions as desired
- Oil a frying pan with olive oil and brown whole Sausages on each side, do not cook through. Once each side is brown, set sausages aside for cutting.
- In the same pan, add bell peppers and onions to excess oil, cook until onions become translucent.
- In a sauce pan, add Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce, add garlic clove, and season to taste.
- Add vegetable mixture and sliced sausage, allowing all to simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Enjoy!
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