If you’re craving a dish packed with flavor, aroma, and traditional Greek character, look no further than Spetzofai.
This rustic recipe from the Pelion region blends country-style sausage with sweet peppers and rich tomato sauce to create a hearty, slightly spicy stew that’s ideal for sharing.
#Spetzofai, #GreekFood, #TraditionalGreekRecipes, #cookthegreekway
Ingredients
- 1 kg long sweet green peppers (cleaned and halved lengthwise)
- 3–4 hot green chili peppers (optional)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 can (400 g) chopped tomatoes (tomato concassé)
- 500 g Greek country-style sausage, sliced into thick rounds
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Optional: A pinch of chili flakes (boukovo) for mild heat
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
Wash and clean the peppers, remove the seeds, and slice them. Chop the onion and garlic. Slice the sausage into thick rounds. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In a wide, shallow pot or deep pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until soft, then remove and set aside. - Fry the Peppers & Sausage:
Add more olive oil to the same pan and fry the peppers in batches until lightly golden and tender. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
In the same pan, brown the sausage slices on all sides and set aside. - Simmer Everything Together
Pour the chopped tomatoes into the pan, add 2 cups of water, and stir. Return the onion, garlic, sausage, and peppers (including any hot ones, if using) to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, and add a pinch of chili flakes if you want a little heat.
Simmer on low heat, uncovered, for about 25–30 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined. - Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot — ideally with rustic bread, mashed potatoes, or crispy fries.
Nutritional Tips & Substitutions
- Sausage: Rich in flavor but also in fat. For a lighter version, try poultry-based sausage or leaner cuts.
- Peppers: A great source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Feel free to mix red, orange, or yellow peppers for color and sweetness.
- Tomato Sauce: Choose organic or homemade chopped tomatoes with no added sugar for a healthier option.
- Mild Heat Option: Boukovo (Greek chili flakes) gives you control over the heat without using actual hot peppers.
- Perfect Pairing: Spetzofai pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry red wine, some feta cheese, or a dollop of herbed Greek yogurt.
Tip
Let the dish rest for an hour before serving—or even better, reheat it the next day. The flavors will be deeper and more developed!
CookTheGreekWay 