Ingredients
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce1/4 teaspoon dried basil1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes1/8 teaspoon garlic powder1 pound bulk Italian sausage1 medium onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings8 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese8 slices French bread (3/4 inch thick)1/4 to 1/2 cup butter, softened
Preparation
In a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, basil, pepper flakes and garlic powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, shape sausage into four thin oval patties. In a skillet over medium heat, cook patties until no longer pink; remove and keep warm.
In the drippings, saute onion until tender. Place a slice of cheese on four slices of bread; layer each with a sausage patty, onion and remaining cheese. Top with remaining bread. Butter the outsides of sandwiches.
On a griddle or in a large skillet, toast over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve with herbed tomato sauce for dipping.
