1. Cook Sausage and Manage Oil:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet (or other large skillet) over medium heat.
• Once the oil is warm, add the sliced cooked sausage to the skillet in a single layer if possible.
• Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes on one side, until nicely browned. Flip the sausage slices over and cook for about 3 minutes on the other side.
• Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer it to a large plate. Set aside.
• You will likely have rendered oil/fat from the sausage in the skillet. Leave about 1 tablespoon of this flavorful oil in the skillet for cooking the vegetables. Carefully pour any extra oil into a small, heat-proof bowl and reserve it – you might need it later.

2. Sauté Vegetables Separately:

• Bell Pepper: To the same skillet with the reserved sausage oil, add the diced red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pepper is tender-crisp. If the pan seems too dry during cooking, add a little bit of the reserved sausage oil (or fresh olive oil) to prevent sticking. Remove the cooked bell pepper and add it to the large plate with the sausage.
• Zucchini: To the same, now empty (or nearly empty) skillet, add the sliced zucchini. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender-crisp. Again, if the pan is too dry, add a little more of the reserved sausage oil. Add the cooked zucchini to the plate with the sausage and bell pepper.

3. Prepare Corn (if using fresh):

• If using fresh ears of corn that have already been cooked, carefully slice the corn kernels off the cob with a sharp knife. You should have about 2 cups of kernels.

4. Assemble and Reheat Skillet:

• Return the cooked sausage, cooked bell pepper, and cooked zucchini to the same skillet.
• Add the cooked corn kernels to the skillet.
• Mix all the ingredients together gently.
• Drizzle with any remaining reserved oil from the cooked sausage if desired for extra flavor (use sparingly), and mix again.
• Sprinkle with the ½ teaspoon of chili powder.
• Place the skillet over low heat and stir everything together to reheat gently for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the skillet from the heat.
• Top the Sausage and Veggies Skillet generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
• Seasoning Note: Taste the dish. As the recipe author notes, additional salt is often not necessary because the sausage is usually quite salty. However, use your best judgment and season with a little salt and pepper now, if needed.
• Serve immediately while hot.