Introduction: Sausage and peppers is a classic Italian-American dish that has been loved for generations. This hearty and flavorful combination of sausages, colorful bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices has graced family gatherings, festivals, and dinner tables across the United States. Today, we’re putting a modern twist on this timeless favorite by preparing it in the Instant Pot, a kitchen appliance that has revolutionized home cooking with its speed and convenience.

Historical Context: Sausage and peppers have deep roots in Italian cuisine. Italian immigrants brought this delicious dish to America in the early 20th century, and it quickly became a popular street food. Traditionally, it’s cooked low and slow on the stovetop or grilled outdoors, allowing the flavors to meld together over time. However, with the Instant Pot, we can achieve the same depth of flavor in a fraction of the time.

Preparation:

Step 1: Sear the Sausages

1. Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow it to heat up.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the sausages to the Instant Pot. Sear them on all sides until they develop a rich brown color, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove the sausages and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics 3. In the same Instant Pot, add the thinly sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices 4. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.

Step 4: Pressure Cook 5. Return the seared sausages to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the tomato and pepper mixture.

6. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is set to the sealing position.
7. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer to 10 minutes on high pressure.

Step 5: Natural Release and Serve 8. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully switch the vent to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure.

9. Carefully remove the sausages and slice them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish 10. Arrange the sausage and pepper mixture on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.

11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
12. Serve your Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers Simplicity with crusty Italian bread for soaking up that delicious sauce.