Egg-Free Italian Baked Polenta with Sausage & Peppers

Ingredients

• 1 cup Polenta (coarse ground)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 pound Italian Sausage (sweet or hot)
• 2 medium Bell Peppers (mixed colors)
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 14.5oz can Canned Diced Tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Dairy-Free Parmesan Cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice the 2 medium bell peppers into 1/2-inch pieces and the 1 medium onion into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince the 2 cloves of garlic. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. 2In a large saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil over high heat. Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of coarse ground polenta. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the polenta thickens to a creamy, porridge-like consistency.
3. 3Carefully pour the cooked polenta into the greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom with a spatula.
4. 4Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
5. 5Add the diced 2 medium bell peppers and diced 1 medium onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Continue to cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened. Stir in the minced 2 cloves of garlic, the entire 1 14.5oz can of diced tomatoes (undrained), and the 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. 6Carefully spoon the entire sausage and pepper mixture over the polenta in the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Evenly sprinkle the 1/4 cup of dairy-free Parmesan cheese over the top of the sausage and pepper mixture.
7. 7Bake the dish in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden, the mixture is bubbly around the edges, and heated through completely. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

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