JP's Sausage Patties with Pumpkin Seeds and Mushrooms

This recipe reminds me of sausage links my mother served with mashed potatoes when I was a child. Extending the sausage meat with pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, and bread cuts down on the richness and makes it a great dish for serving with Cornmeal Mush, polenta, or grits for dinner. You can experiment with the sausage mixture; spinach, zucchini, and/or cheese would make great additions. For this recipe, I use the mild version, but if you prefer hot sausage, substitute it.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a medium bowl, mix the sausage meat, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, bread, chives, garlic, and red pepper flakes, if using, together well with your hands.

Step 2

Divide into four patties, cover, and refrigerate or cook right away.

Step 3

When you are ready to cook the patties, heat the olive oil in a large skillet.

Step 4

Sauté the patties over medium heat, covered most of the time, for 2½ to 3 minutes on each side.

Step 5

Let rest in the pan while you prepare Cornmeal Mush, polenta, or grits.

Step 6

Spoon some mush, polenta, or grits on each of four plates, top with a patty, spoon some juices on top, and serve.