Simple Supper: Sausage & Potatoes

One day, years ago, I had an idea for a dish. Before that day, my husband and I had enjoyed this dish simply prepared with potatoes and onions baked in the oven. I came up with the brilliant idea of adding a sausage to it, turning a side dish into a meal. Eric seemed hesitant as he can be sometimes when faced with my epiphanies, but I forged ahead and made this dish. He's never regretted it. One evening, my father-in-law visited and I prepared this dish for our dinner. He's never stopped raving about it! I just keep telling him, "It's easy really - sausage, potatoes, and onions." But still, he remembers. So, I humbly present to you this simple supper.

Sausage and Potatoes

1-16 oz. kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced
5-6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large onions, cubed
Seasonings to taste
Olive oil to drizzle

Combine the sausage, potatoes, and onions in a lined and greased 9"x13" baking dish. Sprinkle with your favorite seasonings and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake at 350 degrees until potatoes are done, about one hour, stirring every 10 minutes or so to keep potatoes from sticking.

I've always said, "If you have a kielbasa, you have a meal." OK, so this is a smoked sausage that someone besides myself bought and brought into the house. I will make do.

Peel the potatoes and cut into cubes.

I put my peeled potatoes in a bowl of cold water to keep them from browning. They can actually sit like this overnight if you keep them in the refrigerator.

The onion needs to remain in fairly large pieces to hold up during the baking process.

Again, you want to keep all of the ingredients the same size so they'll cook evenly.

I always line my pan for easy clean-up. Potatoes go first.

Followed by the onions.

I season the potatoes at this point before adding the sausages. I used my usual combination of seasonings: seasoning salt, garlic salt, and pepper. But, just when you think you've got me all figured out, I'll spring a new one on you...

Thyme is on my side. Yes, it is... And, it's perfect with potatoes. But be warned, it is a fairly strong herb so use sparingly unless you know you like it. Thyme is perfect with potatoes and chicken dishes.

Add the sausage, drizzle with a little olive oil, and get your hands in there to make sure that all of the seasonings are equally distributed. Bake at 350 degrees until potatoes are done. This will take about an hour. You'll want to stir often to keep the potatoes from sticking.

The caramelized edges are the best part. Sometimes, simple is better!

Enjoy!!