1 yellow bell pepper, quartered
1 green bell pepper, quartered
1 large sweet onion, (such as vidalia), cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
2 pounds fresh tomatoes, halved
1 pound sweet Italian sausage links (pricked with fork)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound dried rigatoni or corkscrews, cooked according to package directions
1. Heat grill.
2. Toss peppers and onion slices with 2 teaspoons of the vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Grill over medium-hot* heat 8 to 15 minutes or until evenly charred and tender, turning occasionally.
3. Remove peppers and place in a resealable plastic storage bag; seal and cool slightly. Transfer onions to a large serving bowl.
4. Toss tomatoes with remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, grill 5 to 10 minutes or until evenly charred.
5. Meanwhile, remove peel from peppers; add to bowl with onions. Chop tomatoes and stir into vegetables.
6. Grill sausages, turning occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes or until evenly browned and cooked through. Slice sausages; transfer to bowl. Stir in olive oil, garlic, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, thyme and pepper. Toss with hot rigatoni. Makes 6 servings.
*Note: To test for medium heat, you should be able to hold your hand over the coals at the height of the food for 4 seconds before you have to pull away.