Spetsofai Recipe – European Special

Spetsofai is a hearty Greek sausage and pepper stew that perfectly blends spicy sausages with sweet bell peppers in a rich tomato sauce, seasoned with garlic, onion, oregano, and paprika. It’s a comforting European-style main course with a savoury, slightly tangy flavor that warms you up, especially during cooler evenings. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, rice, or roasted potatoes, Spetsofai delivers satisfying textures and bold taste in every bite.

  • Prep Time30 min
  • Cook Time20 min
  • Total Time50 min

Spetsofai Ingredients:

  • Pork sausages: 1 pound (450 grams), preferably Greek-style sausages or other spicy sausages
  • Bell peppers: 2 large, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
  • Onion: 1 large, chopped
  • Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
  • Tomatoes: 4 large, chopped, or 1 can (14.5 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
  • Olive oil: 2-3 tablespoons
  • Red wine: 1/2 cup (optional, for added depth of flavor)
  • Oregano: 1 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: to taste
  • Black pepper: to taste
  • Bay leaves: 1-2 (optional)
  • Parsley: Fresh, chopped for garnish

How to make Spetsofai:

1

Prepare the Sausages: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2

Add the sausages and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside. Slice them into bite-sized pieces once they are cool enough to handle.

3

Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5

Add the Peppers: Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.

6

Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes or crushed tomatoes to the skillet. If using fresh tomatoes, you may need to simmer them a bit longer to break down.

7

Stir in the red wine (if using), oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves.

8

Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked sausage pieces to the skillet and stir to combine.

9

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the flavors are well melded.

10

Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, if used.

11

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Notes: