This Mediterranean saute features sausage and vegetables in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. With steamed artichokes on the side, this seasonal meal that was last featured in 2017 is perfect for early spring.
Artichokes - If prepping right before cooking, get water boiling so that you can start steaming artichokes before continuing with prep. Trim artichokes. Alternatively, you can steam artichokes in an Instant Pot for 9 to 15 minutes at high pressure and do a manual release. (Can be done up to 4 days ahead)
Onions / Bell peppers / Sausage / Zucchini - Prep as directed. Store separately. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
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Fill a large stockpot with 1" / 2.5 cm of water. Season with some salt and add the first portion of lemon juice and bay leaf (if using). Place a steamer basket (if you don't have a steamer, you can simmer the artichokes directly in the water) over the water. Put the lid on the stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat. (Alternatively, you can steam artichokes in an Instant Pot for 9 to 15 minutes at high pressure and do a manual release.)
When water is boiling, reduce to a simmer. Place artichokes, stem-side up, over simmering water. Cover and allow artichokes to steam until the leaves can easily be pulled from the choke, 35 to 60 minutes (depending on the size of the artichokes). Check the artichokes every 10 minutes or so and add additional water, if needed. (Watch this video to see how to steam artichokes.)
When artichokes are nearly finished steaming, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and then onions and zucchini with a pinch of salt. Saute until tender, ~3 minutes. Add sliced sausage and saute until sausage is warmed through and starting to brown in spots, ~3 minutes more.
Add tomato sauce, bell peppers, pesto, and Italian seasoning to sausage. Saute for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors come together.
Just before serving, chop garlic and combine with butter. Heat in the microwave until melted. Stir in second portion of lemon juice.
Serve artichokes with garlic butter for dipping (again, check out this video for tips on enjoying every last bite of an artichoke). Enjoy with sausage saute on the side.