🇬🇷 Greece · Food
Spetzofai: Hearty Greek Sausage and Pepper Stew
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
Spetzofai is a robust and flavorful Greek stew hailing from Pelion, featuring spicy Greek sausages simmered with colorful bell peppers in a rich tomato sauce. This rustic and comforting dish is a fantastic representation of traditional Greek home cooking, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 500 g of sliced Greek sausages and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausages from the pan and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
- 2
Add 1 more tablespoon of olive oil to the pan (if needed). Add 1 chopped large onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add extra flavor.
- 3
Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can make it bitter. Immediately add 3 sliced bell peppers (red, green, yellow).
- 4
Cook the peppers for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still retain some bite. They should be vibrant and slightly tender, not mushy. This ensures a pleasant texture in the final stew.
- 5
Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in 100 ml of dry white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- 6
Stir in 400 g of crushed canned tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- 7
Return the browned sausages to the pan, nestling them into the tomato and pepper mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sausages to cook through.
- 8
After simmering, check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. The sauce should be rich and slightly thick, and the peppers tender. Serve the Spetzofai hot, perhaps with a final drizzle of the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, accompanied by crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of Greek sausage is best for Spetzofai?+
Traditional Spetzofai uses a slightly spicy country-style Greek sausage, often with leek or orange zest. If unavailable, a good quality mild or spicy pork sausage can be a suitable substitute.
Can I make Spetzofai vegetarian?+
While the traditional recipe centers around sausage, you can create a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas to the stew.
How can I adjust the spiciness of Spetzofai?+
The spiciness usually comes from the Greek sausage itself. If you prefer it spicier, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika. For milder, ensure you use a mild sausage.
What is the best way to store and reheat Spetzofai?+
Spetzofai stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Mundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Spetzofai: Hearty Greek Sausage and Pepper Stew's core ingredients.
