Skip to main content

Madeira Sausage and Grilled Artichoke on Angel Hair

You can make a fantastic, restaurant-quality dish at home for a fraction of the cost, if you are ready to spend a bit of time.  When you do have time, consider this Italian delicacy.  

Chose the wine you use, but I suggest a sweeter variety, like Madeira, Cream Sherry or a sweet vermouth.

1/2 lb angel hair pasta

1 lb favorite sausage links, sliced
1 tsp Herbs Provencal, or Italian herbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste

2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 cup Madeira wine, or cream sherry
1/2 cup water, or as needed

1 12-oz jar Grilled Artichoke Halves, packed in oil (I used Trader Joe’s), drained

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil for the pasta.  Salt generously.  Keep on simmer until ready.

Turn the sausage slices into a skillet on high heat with a dash of olive oil.  Toss to begin to brown the sausage pieces.  Once the sausage begins to brown well, add the herbs, garlic and red pepper and cook another 2-3 minutes.  Remove the sausage mixture to a bowl.
Add the tomato paste to the skillet with another dash of olive oil.  Cook the tomato paste, stirring almost constantly for about 3-5 minutes.  Make sure it darkens a bit, which will add so much flavor.  Whisk in the wine and bring to a gentle boil.  Return the sausage and all juices to the wine sauce.  Reduce heat to a simmer and cover.

Spread the artichokes into a medium glass casserole and microwave for about 1-2 minutes, until heated through (the time will depend on you microwave).

Bring the pasta water to a boil.  Add the pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until just al dente.  Drain.

Adjust the sausage tomato sauce with water if necessary to arrive at a creamy consistency.  Swirl the pasta on four plates.  Distribute sausage and sauce about the plates.  Top with heated artichokes.  Garnish with dried tarragon, if desired, or fresh parsley.


Serves 4.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Umami Beef Short Ribs Samin Nosrat

This is the penultimate prep for beef short ribs.  Based on the superb documentary by Samin Nosrat, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, this is the most umami rib dish you will ever have.  Its the combination of red miso and soy sauce that marinates and flavors the beef - give it a long time to work right - that means overnight in the fridge; it's worth the planning ahead. 6 beef short ribs on the bone, about 3-4 lb 1 large sweet yellow onion, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 1 jalapeño pepper, minced 4 cloves garlic, halved Marinade: 1/4 cup red miso 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup pale dry sherry or Mirin rice wine 1 Tbsp sesame oil 1 Tbsp honey 2 cloves garlic, minced Salt the ribs generously with coarse salt and let rest overnight in the refrigerator in a resealable plastic bag. Whisk together the marinade.   Pour into the plastic bag and allow to marinate on the counter for about 2-3 hours, or again overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat...

Vinaigrette Erique 2.0

From the archives:  Making a really, really good vinaigrette has been a craft in my family, and in my in-law family for generations. My late uncle, Jeannot, and Father-in-law, Bernard, (both best of friends) were each geniuses at the vinaigrette. And they both taught me. I have to say my siblings along with my sisters and brothers in-law do really now carry on the tradition as I strive to as well.  In our family cookbook "Cuisine Encore" I published my go-to vinaigrette - a basic version taught to me by my French mother, Monique.  It's great, yet I have been looking for something slightly more modern and upbeat.  So I merged Asian rice vinegar into the mix along with fresh (not powdered) garlic with the Dijon mustard, and toned down the salt. Make it your own. I now have what I think is an even better basic vinaigrette, today. Talk to you tomorrow! 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar 1 generous tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup ca...

Rosemary Chimichurri

I am making this fresh aromatic condiment more and more often. It can be used as a topping for grilled meats, fish, and for many other flavoring opportunities. I now keep some in the refrigerator almost at all times. 4 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves large palmful fresh cilantro, leaves and stems 3 cloves garlic 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes juice of 1/2 lime (or lemon), and the zest if you like 1/4 tsp salt fresh ground black pepper to taste 1/4 cup olive oil Pulse the rosemary, cilantro and garlic in a small food processor (You could also use a mortar and pestle.) Tip into a small bowl and stir in the remaining ingredients. Cook’s Note: If you haven’t noticed, I love chimichurri sauce.   It’s zesty, and full of aromatics. It goes on so many dishes and is a great ingredient for so many things.   Make some and keep it in the fridge for inspiration. I use fresh rosemary and cilantro as my green herbs, but you could use oregano and parsley, which is also popular.   Many peo...