Sausage Ragu with Polenta

We have been pretty spoiled this winter in Canada in terms of the weather, it has not been nearly as cold as typical. This being said my body still craves warm, comforting food, espically Sunday night Suppers. This recipe is just that, pure comfort. Although not the healthiest of dinners, it warms the soul and readies you for a evening spent by the fire with a good book. And as always pairs well with red wine ;) (let's be honest most dinners served at my house serve well with red wine) Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 Lb. Pork or Turkey Sausage (I prefer a lower sodium brand. Take casing off sausage a squeeze out mixture into small chunks)

• 1 small yellow onion

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 Tbsp. oregano

• 1 Tbsp. rosemary

• 1 Tbsp basil

• 1 Tsp dried hot pepper (optional)

• Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste

• 2 Tbsp. Tomato Paste

• 1 28 Oz. Can Chopped Tomatoes (I prefer the no salt added brand or even better homemade!)

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 4 cups water

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese + more for serving

• 3 Tbsp. Butter

• Fresh herbs for serving - I like Basil and Thyme with this

• Crusty bread for cleaning up your plate!

Directions:

1. In a large Dutch Oven heat oil over medium heat and cook sausage chunks till browned all over. Add onion, garlic, oregano, rosemary, basil and hot pepper. Stir till onions have softened and herbs become fragrant. Pour in tomato paste and chopped tomatoes and simmer till the sauce is thickened, about 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile bring the water to boil in a medium size pot. Turn heat down to low. Slowly pour in cornmeal while whisking constantly. Take cornmeal mixture off hot element and whisk till thickened, should take 3-5 minutes. Add butter and Parmesan Cheese and whisk to combine.

3. Serve in a deep bowl spooning the Ragu on top of the Polenta. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs on top.

Serves 4

Time: 30 minutes