Italian Sausage (Caprese)
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This Italian Sausage Caprese recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad. It combines the savory flavors of grilled Italian sausage with the fresh, vibrant taste of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a summer barbecue.
And by all means, experiment with your own variations!
What You Will Need
Ingredients
- ¼ cup grated Mozzarella
- ¼ fresh flat leaf parsley chopped
- 1 tbs dried basil
- ½ tsp rosemary, crushed
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp anise seed, lightly crushed
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 tbs sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7)
If You Plan for a Salad
- Romaine Lettuce
- Fresh Mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil
- Balsamic vinegar or olive oil for the glaze
- Course ground black pepper
For sopping up the goodness
- French Bread
The Process
- Prep the Grill: Preheat your frying pan to medium-high heat.
- Prep the Sausage: Roll the sausage into balls.
- Grill the Sausage: Place the Italian sausage balls directly on the non-stick pan. Cook for about 4 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Salad: While the sausage is frying, arrange the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella slices on a platter.
- Plate the Dish: Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. You can slice the sausage or leave the meatballs whole. Place them on top of the salad.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Drizzle a classic balsamic glaze over the salad and sprinkle with fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!
Optional: For a heartier meal, serve the sausage and salad over a bed of pasta or grilled bread.
Additional Tips
Additional Tips:
- Choose the right ground turkey: Opt for ground turkey that has a higher fat content, as it will help the sausage stay moist and flavorful. 73/7 is the best. If you go higher in fat content than 93%, like 85/15, expect the flavor to be a bit "gamey" and if you go lower than 93/7, expect the meat to be drier.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly: Make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the ground turkey mixture.
- Shape the sausage: You can shape the sausage mixture into patties, crumbles, or links. If you want to form links, you can use parchment paper to help shape them.
- Cook the sausage properly: Cook the sausage until it is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
By following these tips, or experimenting with your own ideas, you can make delicious homemade sausage with ground turkey.
