Southern Style Tallerine 🥘✨

This Southern Style Tallerine is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. It's a hearty fusion featuring spaghetti simmered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce with a Southern flair. The addition of smoky sausage, bell peppers, and a hint of sweetness makes this dish a real crowd-pleaser! Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, serve it with a side of cornbread and a refreshing salad for a complete meal. 🌽🥗

Ingredients

For the pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), sliced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti as per package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

👩‍🍳 Adding a pinch of salt while sautéing helps draw out moisture from the veggies, enhancing their flavor.

3. Add the sausage and garlic: Stir in the sliced sausage and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the sausage is browned and the garlic is fragrant.

4. Make the sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, sugar, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to combine. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up some of the sauce.

6. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy hot!

🧂 For added depth of flavor, you can consider a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, or use plant-based sausage for a similar texture. 🌱
• Cheesy: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top and broil for a few minutes until melted and bubbly for a comfort-food twist. 🧀
• One-pot meal: Skip cooking the pasta separately. Add uncooked spaghetti directly to the sauce and double the chicken broth, then cover and cook until the pasta is tender.

Enjoy this Southern Style Tallerine with a side of your favorite cornbread or garlic bread for the perfect meal! 🍞🧄