Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked polenta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the bell peppers, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
4. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is cooked through, about 8 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the cooked polenta and stir to combine.
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
9. Serve warm.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4-6
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 545
Fat: 37g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 24g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Olive oil: canola oil or vegetable oil
- Onion: shallot or leek
- Bell peppers: any color bell pepper or poblano pepper
- Oregano: thyme or marjoram
- Basil: parsley or cilantro
- Smoked paprika: regular paprika or chili powder
- Red pepper flakes: cayenne pepper or chili powder
- Italian sausage: ground beef or ground turkey
- Chicken broth: vegetable broth or beef broth
- Polenta: cooked rice or cooked quinoa
- Parmesan cheese: grated cheddar cheese or grated mozzarella cheese
Variations:
- Add 1 cup of frozen corn or 1 cup of diced tomatoes to the skillet with the bell peppers.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a spicier version.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cook the sausage until it is cooked through.
- Use cooked polenta that is still warm for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the proja in a bowl topped with fresh parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the proja is too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
- If the proja is too spicy, add a tablespoon of honey or a splash of cream.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the sausage until it is cooked through.
Food History:
Proja is a traditional Serbian dish that is usually made with polenta, sausage, and vegetables.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory flavor with a hint of smokiness from the smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A