Spetsofai Recipe

This Spetsofai recipe is my absolute favorite because it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that instantly transports me to the Mediterranean. The combination of spicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and rich red wine sauce makes every bite a comforting, soul-satisfying experience that’s perfect for sharing with friends over some chats and laughs.

I adore how the spicy scent of loukaniko sausage mingles with the vibrant colors of red, green, and yellow bell peppers in this classic Spetsofai dish. The combination of copious olive oil and a half-cup of red wine ignites the flavor base of the stew, while herb oregano and smoked paprika deepen the taste.

This medium-thick stew, with its deliciously succulent sausages and vibrant pepper colors, is a feast for the eyes as well as the alimentary canal.

Ingredients

Spicy Sausage (Loukaniko):
Yields protein and abundant taste, embedding the dish with a smoky, aromatic essence.

Olive Oil:
Mediterranean authenticity and rich mouthfeel come from a heart-healthy fat.

Bell Peppers:
These bright and beautiful vegetables are packed with vitamins A and C.

They have so much natural sweetness and so many vivid colors that it’s easy to mistake them for dessert.

Garlic:
Delivers a powerful, peppery taste; grants multiple health perks, including those that combat microbes and promote cardiovascular wellness.

Canned Tomatoes:
Lycopene, an excellent antioxidant, is provided in ample amounts; they contribute to a rich, umami base.

Red Wine:
Adds complexity and richness to the sauce, making it more acidic.

Smoked Paprika:
The sausage’s spiciness gets a boost from this smoky, spicy ingredient.

Ingredient Quantities

• 500g spicy sausage (such as loukaniko), sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 400g canned tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausages and brown them on all sides. When they are nicely browned, remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.

2. In the skillet used previously, add the sliced onions and sauté them until they are soft and translucent.

3. Place the red, green, and yellow bell peppers in the skillet and cook until they begin to soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.

4. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for an extra minute until it gives off a lovely aroma.

5. Combine the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar with the skillet’s contents. Stir everything together thoroughly so that all the ingredients are well-mixed and bound.

6. Add the red wine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for around 5 minutes.

7. Reintroduce the sausages to the skillet and mix in the dried oregano and smoked paprika. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper as needed.

8. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and simmer the Spetsofai for about 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

9. Take the skillet off the heat and allow the meal to rest for a few minutes before serving.

10. If desired, you can garnish it with chopped fresh parsley, and then serve it hot. Accompany the dish with crusty bread or a traditional Greek salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Spatula or tongs
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Can opener
8. Stirring spoon
9. Lid for skillet

FAQ

• What is Spetsofai?Spetsofai is a Greek dish that features piquant sausage and a medley of bell peppers, all simmered together in a chunky tomato sauce. Known for its rich flavors and filling nature, this is a dish that many in Greece likely associate with the comforts of home cooking.
• Can I use a different type of sausage?– Indeed, you may use another spicy sausage in place of loukaniko, if you can’t find it, but do select one that’s got a flavor and spice profile close to it to retain the authentic taste of the dish.
• Is it necessary to use all three colors of bell peppers?The use of red, green, and yellow bell peppers creates not only visual appeal but also the flavor variety we want in our cooking. Use any combination of bell peppers you like—that’s the best part!
• How can I make the dish less spicy?– To lessen the spiciness, choose an even milder sausage and consider either using less smoked paprika or omitting it altogether.
• Can the dish be made vegetarian?– A vegetarian version can be made by leaving out the sausage and increasing the amount of vegetables. For additional texture, think about adding some eggplant or zucchini.
• What should I serve with Spetsofai?Typically, crusty bread is used to mop up the sauce, which is where most of the flavor is. Great with rice, pasta, or a simple green salad; any of these would make a fine accompaniment to spetsofai.
• How do I store leftovers?Leftovers should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They remain safe for consumption for up to 3 days. To reheat, the stovetop is recommended, using a gentle, low-temperature setting.

Substitutions and Variations

Spicy sausage: You can use 500g of chorizo or any other available spicy sausage as a substitute.
Red bell pepper: Substitute with an orange bell pepper or extra yellow bell pepper for a taste and color closely resembling that of red bell pepper.
Canned tomatoes: If you can’t find canned tomatoes, use 400g of fresh tomatoes, chopped.
Wine red: Use beef broth or chicken broth for a version that has no alcohol.
Paprika, smoked: Regular paprika with a pinch of cayenne will give you a hint of smokiness, but you won’t taste it nearly as much as when using smoked paprika.

Pro Tips

1. Caramelize Onions for Added Sweetness When sautéing the onions, let them cook slowly over medium-low heat for a bit longer until they begin to caramelize for added sweetness and depth of flavor.

2. Roast the Peppers for Extra Flavor Consider roasting the bell peppers before adding them to the skillet. This will enhance their flavors and add a slight smokiness to the dish.

3. Deglaze the Pan After browning the sausages, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of the red wine before adding the onions. This will lift all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom and incorporate them into the dish.

4. Use Fresh Herbs If possible, use fresh oregano instead of dried to add a more vibrant and fresh flavor to the dish. Crush the leaves gently in your hand before adding them to release their oils.

5. Simmer for Better Flavor Melding Allow the dish to simmer a bit longer if you have time. Giving the sauce more time to reduce and thicken will help the flavors meld together even more, resulting in a richer final product.