Grilled Italian Sausages and Tomatoes on Focaccia

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Servings:
6

Slices of focaccia are topped with a fresh relish of grilled tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper before the links are rolled into their places.

Ingredients

  • 4 tomatoes (about 2 ¼ pounds total), halved crosswise

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • ¼ cup fresh oregano leaves, coarsely chopped

  • 6 fresh sweet, spicy, or fennel Italian sausages

  • 12 pieces focaccia (about 3 by 4 inches each)

Directions

  1. Preheat a grill to medium-high (if you are using a charcoal grill, coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above grill for just 3 to 4 seconds). Season tomatoes with salt and pepper; drizzle with about 2 tablespoons oil. Grill tomatoes, cut side down, until marked by grill and beginning to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip tomatoes, and grill until soft and juicy, but still holding shape, 5 to 7 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board, and coarsely chop. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add oregano, and toss to combine. Season with salt, and drizzle with remaining oil; set aside.

  2. Grill sausages, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 12 minutes. Cut each sausage in half lengthwise. Using a slotted spoon, divide tomatoes among focaccia; top each with a sausage half, arranging cut side down. Serve immediately.

Cook's Notes

Sweet or hot Italian sausages can be used to make these open-face snacks. You can substitute slices of ciabatta or rustic Italian bread for the focaccia.

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