Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions, cut into 1-inch wedges
  • 1.5 pounds mild sausages, pork or turkey or chicken
  • 10 fresh sage leaves
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup polenta
  • 5 cups water
  • 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar

Method

  • In a large (12-inch) skillet large enough to hold the sausages comfortably, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add sausages and cook, turning once, until they are a deep golden brown. Halfway through cooking, add onions to pan and toss to coat them in the oil.
  • Add cider, sage leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer quite rapidly until cider reduces into a glaze and coats the back of a spoon, about 30 minutes.
  • In the meantime, bring water to boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Whisk in polenta in a slow stream, season with salt and pepper, and return to a boil. Turn heat to low and cook until water is absorbed and polenta is very soft. Stir in cheddar and season to taste.
  • Divide polenta among bowls and top with sausages and onion. Spoon the pan liquid on top of the sausages and serve immediately.