Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454g) Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference), casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) sugar (to balance acidity)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 Italian rolls, hoagie rolls, or crusty bread
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the sausage crumbles, breaking them up with a spoon. Drain excess grease. Add the sliced onions and peppers to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. If desired, add the sausage and vegetable mixture to the tomato sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Slice the Italian rolls lengthwise. Spoon the sausage and pepper mixture onto the bottom half of each roll. Top with tomato sauce (if not already combined). Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (optional). Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional).
  5. Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy!