Sausage Skillet

½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

½ fennel bulb, thinly sliced

½ onion, thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & pepper

Polenta

1 cup instant polenta

2 cups water or broth

1 tbsp butter

¼ cup grated parmesan

Pinch salt

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Italian sausage: Pork sausage adds the most flavor, but turkey or chicken sausage works well too.

Fennel: Cooking mellows its licorice flavor and brings out sweetness — don’t skip it.

Instant polenta: Cooks quickly and is ideal for weeknights. Stone-ground polenta can be used but will need a longer cook time.

Parmesan: Freshly grated melts best and adds a rich, salty finish.