Spetsofai Recipe – European Special
Spetsofai is a classic Greek stew that combines spicy sausages with sweet bell peppers and a flavorful tomato sauce. The dish is known for its savory and slightly tangy taste, making it a satisfying and versatile meal. It’s often served as a main course, especially during colder months or at festive gatherings.
- 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:
Prepare the Sausages: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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.
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.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Peppers: Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
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.
Stir in the red wine (if using), oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves.
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked sausage pieces to the skillet and stir to combine.
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.
Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, if used.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes:
Sausage Choice: Greek-style sausages are traditional, but you can use any spicy sausage you prefer. Adjust the seasoning based on the spiciness of the sausages.
Tomato Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer. You can also add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.
Wine: Adding red wine is optional but adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can omit it or substitute with a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Serving Suggestions: Spetsofai is typically served with crusty bread, rice, or even with roasted potatoes. It pairs well with a simple Greek salad.
