This hot and toasty Italian sausage sandwich is bursting with flavor. Spicy peppers and sausage mingle with savory Italian spices and homemade marinara sauce for the best lunch or quick dinner.
In a medium non-stick saucepan, heat the canola oil to medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2 tablespoons canola oil, ½ yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic
Add the dried oregano, balsamic vinegar, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and salt and pepper.
1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 red bell pepper, 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Add salt, to taste (if needed) and reserve.
Cut sausages lengthwise and grill them on a hot grill pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until cooked through.
8 Italian sausages
Open the buns and grill them on the open side until lightly toasted.
4 hoagie rolls
Assemble the sandwiches with the sausages, bell pepper marinara sauce and fresh oregano.
Slice the sandwiches in half and serve.
Notes
This sandwich is best served immediately. But, if you have leftovers, just pop the sausage, vegetables, and sauce into the microwave and toast up a fresh bun. Cooked sausage can last up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Toasting the rolls is a must for this recipe. We want to avoid a soggy sandwich from the saucy filling and it adds a nice crispiness to the meal.
The bell pepper marinara sauce can be cooked ahead of time and reheated on the stove when you're ready to eat.
You can substitute the dried oregano with fresh oregano leaves but you will have to add a bit more because the flavor of the dried herb is more concentrated.