Sausage & Pepper Skillet

One step at a time.

1. 1

   Check and prepare

   Check that the sausage is labeled fully cooked and read its heating instructions. Slice the sausage, peppers and onion before heating the skillet. Keep raw meat out of this quick cooking method.

   WHAT TO LOOK FOR

   Smoked describes a flavor or process, not necessarily whether a sausage is fully cooked. The package wording matters.

2. 2

   Brown the sausage

   Heat half the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage in a single layer and brown, turning once, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. This browning step does not replace any heating instructions on the package.

   WHAT TO LOOK FOR

   Look for browned surfaces, without scorched black patches. Work in two batches if the slices cannot fit comfortably.

3. 3

   Soften the vegetables

   Add the remaining oil, peppers and onion. Cook over medium heat for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring. Add a splash of the measured water if browned pan bits begin to stick before the vegetables soften.

   WHAT TO LOOK FOR

   The onion should soften and the peppers should bend easily while retaining some shape.

4. 4

   Add corn and seasonings

   Stir in the frozen corn, garlic, paprika and pepper. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the corn is hot throughout. Add the rest of the water only if needed to keep the base from catching.

   WHAT TO LOOK FOR

   Avoid adding too much water at once; this is a skillet mixture rather than a broth based dish.

5. 5

   Finish according to the label

   Return the sausage to the skillet and toss with the vegetables. Heat through, following the sausage package directions if they require more time or a specific temperature. Taste before adding any optional salt.

   WHAT TO LOOK FOR

   Sausage can already be quite salty. Season the finished mixture rather than salting heavily at the start.