Sausage and Peppers Polenta Bake

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. In a heavy pot, bring 4 cups water and salt to a boil. Gradually stir in polenta, stirring quickly to avoid lumps. Turn heat to low. When water is completely absorbed, add ½ cup of milk and continue to stir occasionally. Add the remaining ½ cup of milk after the first 1/2 cup is absorbed by polenta. Continue to cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in parmesan and butter last.
3. In a wide saute pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the onions and peppers and saute until vegetables are lightly browned, but still tender and crisp, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
4. Heat remaining tablespoon of oil in the same pan. Add the sausage and oregano. Cook, stirring and breaking meat apart, until meat is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce.
5. Spread the polenta on the bottom of a lightly oiled 9×13 baking dish. Ladle sausage and tomato sauce over the polenta. Arrange peppers and onions in an even layer over the sausage. Sprinkle with parmesan and top with mozzarella rounds.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and soft. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil leaves and serve hot.