Roma Tomato Caramelised Onion Sausages Details:
Dish Overview
This dish combines juicy sausages with a sweet and tangy caramelized onion and Roma tomato medley. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that can be served as a main course with sides like mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a green salad.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Sausages:
- Sausages (your choice): 6 (approx. 500g)
- Options: Pork, beef, chicken, or plant-based sausages.
For the Caramelized Onion-Tomato Sauce:
- Roma tomatoes: 4, chopped into small pieces
- Roma tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and low water content.
- Onions: 2 large, thinly sliced
- Yellow or red onions work best for caramelizing.
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Adds richness and helps in caramelization.
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Enhances the sweetness of the onions.
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Adds depth and balances the sweetness with acidity.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Adds an aromatic kick.
- Fresh thyme: 2-3 sprigs
- Optional: substitute with rosemary or oregano.
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausages
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil (if needed) to the pan and cook the sausages.
- Turn occasionally, cooking until browned on all sides and fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F/70°C for meat sausages).
- Remove the sausages and set them aside. Cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sliced onions.
- Cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and golden brown (about 10–12 minutes).
- Stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.
- Continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the sugar and vinegar coat the onions.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Add the chopped Roma tomatoes to the skillet with the caramelized onions.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and break down into a sauce (5–7 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and thyme sprigs. Stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato-onion mixture.
- Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to allow the sausages to absorb the flavors.
- Discard thyme sprigs before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Plating: Serve the sausages hot, topped with the caramelized onion and tomato mixture.
- Accompaniments: Pair with:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread for a rustic touch.
- Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- Steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a lighter side.
Tips for Success
- Caramelization: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Low and slow cooking helps develop their natural sweetness.
- Tomato Texture: If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes slightly before adding them.
- Add a Kick: For some heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes or diced fresh chili with the garlic.