Spicy Italian Sausage Orecchiette

Life is fluid... Neither captured by just one moment in time nor kept in one shape, it changes and evolves. It doesn't stand still when good. That means bad shall also pass. Recipes are like life... Recipes can change for different flavors or textures. Ingredients can change with each season and availability while the vast can remain the same, just as life changes and evolves in time. 

This Spicy Italian Sausage Orecchiette recipe has evolved in the past twenty years. The foundation of the sauce was first learned in Veneto, Italy, nearly twenty years ago. It evolved to become my own just like life's fluidity. The first change was adding spicy Italian sausages, then followed by shredded cheese while still on the stove. Replacing diced with crushed tomatoes just felt like the smart thing to do. Cremini mushrooms and Shishito peppers were inspired while at the Hollywood Farmers Market. 

Chili powder was the last change made at the moment. I craved some heat while the sauce was simmering. Just like life, it won't be the last change. There is no such thing in life and recipes. 

INGREDIENTS
one can of 28-oz Cento crushed tomatoes
two spicy Italian sausages, casings removed and cooked
four Cremini mushrooms, sliced
three Shishito peppers, sliced
eight basil leaves, sliced
four garlic cloves, sliced
a quarter teaspoon of chili powder
olive oil
sea salt
a half cup of shredded Parmesan
a half cup of shredded Pecorino Romano
four servings of Orecchiette, cooked al dente

Heat a Dutch oven over high heat. Drizzle enough olive oil to coat the bottom and add sliced garlic cloves. Once you can smell the fragrance of garlic, remove them from the Dutch oven. Add canned crushed tomatoes and stir for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and occasionally stir for about another 5 minutes.

Add a quarter teaspoon of chili powder and occasionally stir for about 5 minutes. Add sliced basil leaves. Let it simmer and occasionally stir for about 5 minutes. Add prepared mushrooms and peppers, and occasionally stir for about 5 minutes. 

Add cooked Orecchiette, change heat to medium-high, and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Add cooked sausages and stir for 3 to 5 minutes. Taste and add two pinches of sea salt. Stir and taste again. Add a pinch or two more to your taste. Add shredded cheese and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve and enjoy this delicious Spicy Italian Sausage Orecchiette. 

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