| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 35g | 11g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 23g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Italian Sausage with Radicchio and Balsamic Vinegar
Hello to all food enthusiasts out there! I’d like to present a personal favorite recipe of mine – the delicious Sausage with Radicchio and Balsamic Vinegar. This is a recipe that, desipte its Italian origins, marries so well with my love for deep, robust flavors that goes back to my Texas upbringing.
Throughout my culinary journey, I’ve found that my Tex-Mex flavor sensibilities pair beautifully with many international cuisines. And this Italian recipe is no exception!
A Flavor Fusion
That’s the beauty of Sausage with Radicchio and Balsamic Vinegar—it carries the flavors of Italy with a beautiful hint of earthy bitterness from the radicchio, contrasted with the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar, creating a truly harmonious dish. The rich Italian sausage balances the bold flavors, leaving a taste that’s both unique and comforting.
A remarkable thing about this dish is how similar it is to Spaghetti Vongole, a traditional Italian dish that also carries bold and hearty flavors. You might admire how well these dishes complement each other, either served together or separately.
Chef Inspirations
In fact, the idea of adding the bittersweet combo of radicchio and balsamic vinegar to the robust flavor of Italian sausage took inspiration from the culinary philosophy of renowned Italian chef Massimo Bottura. His innovative approach in mixing unexpected elements in traditional recipes creates a dynamic flavor profile—a trait we can see mirrored in this recipe.
Regardless of where the inspiration comes from, one thing’s for sure: the Sausage with Radicchio and Balsamic Vinegar dish is bound to be a star in your dinner parties or a comforting meal for those long weekdays. Enjoy the recipe, and happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds Italian sausage
- 2 heads radicchio, roughly chopped
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
Method
Step One
Begin by slicing the Italian sausage into small pieces. In a large pan, heat two tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
Step Two
In the same pan, add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, this should take about a minute. Then, add the roughly chopped radicchio to the pan and stir to coat in the oil and garlic.
Step Three
Once the radicchio has started to wilt, return the sausage to the pan. Stir to combine and then add the balsamic vinegar. Remember to scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any fond, the browned bits, into the mix for extra flavor.
Step Four
Allow the dish to cook for another 5-7 minutes over low heat, until the radicchio is fully wilted and the sausage is cooked through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step Five
Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Stir one last time to melt the cheese slightly and then serve immediately while hot.
