Greek Spetzofai (spetsofai) – Sausages with peppers and tomato

A traditional Greek recipe made with Greek sausages (loukaniko), lots of peppers, tomato, herbs and spices and a splash of ouzo. This spicy dish is perfect as a main meal served over rice or as part of a meze table.

Growing up with Greek parents it was an annual ritual that the kitchen would be strewn with homemade loukanika (Greek sausages) once a year. This was usually a late fall activity. My parents would prepare their sausage fulling, which was made with small cut up cubes of pork, dried orange peel and many aromatics. They would stuff the sausage casings and then hang them to dry all over the kitchen, the spices keeping the meat from spoiling. There were many ways to enjoy these sausages, including stuffing them with with kefalotyri, making a omelet of Eggs with loukaniko and potato and of course, making spetsofai.

Σπετσοφάι. If you are looking for a traditional and simple rustic Greek recipe, this is it! Spetzofai (sometimes spelled spetsofai) is a humble food that is made with a few simple ingredients. This recipe is a shining example of how basic items, treated well, can produce something lovely!

Why I love it

Spetsofai is a great meal, and once you try my recipe, I know that it will be on regular rotation in your home. Here are some of the reasons it is great:

Inexpensive – Aside from the Greek sausage, the rest of the ingredients here are basic. You can find them pretty affordably, and easily. Even the sausage is less expensive (usually) than other cuts of meat.

So flavourful – I have included ingredients that really heighten the flavour profile of this dish. They are simple ingredients, but together they make every bite a party in your mouth!

Versatile – When I have a large group of friends or family over I like to serve food buffet style. That means I set out a whole array of things like Tyropitakia or Cheese Pies, a variety of Best traditional Greek dips and spreads, and heartier items like this spetzofai. At the same time, I often make this and serve it as a meal for my family

Ingredients

Making spetsofai does not require any complicated ingredients. So long as you can find the Greek sausages, all other ingredients are very easy to find. You may have all the ingredients in your kitchen!

Loukaniko, Greek sausage Greek sausage is different than other sausages. It usually has orange rind in it, but some varieties use dry fennel. It is very flavourful and can be used in many different ways!

Olive oil As always I use Greek olive oil in my recipe. For the flavour, aroma and health benefits!

Red onion I use red onion here because the flavour is mild, and when sauteed it caramelizes beautifully.

Garlic I always use locally grown garlic in my recipes. Nothing beats the flavour and quality.

Bell peppers The colour of bell peppers really does impact the flavour. I like to combine at least two colours of pepper in this recipe, but I always try to include red bell peppers (at least one). They are sweet, and look beautiful in this dish.

Tomato I cut my tomatoes into chunks and use pretty much any type of tomato that I have; it could be anything from a beefsteak tomato to a Roma tomato.

Tomato paste I like to use tomato paste because it offers a real depth of flavour. It also helps to thicken the sauce a bit.

Spices Spetsofai is typically spicy. I use chili flakes to add some heat. I also add paprika for flavour – there is an added benefit that it adds some colour!

Herbs I use dry oregano (Greek, of course!) and fresh parsley. I actually rarely use fresh oregano because I find the dry oregano that I get from Greece is so much better. You can find dry Greek oregano in most well stocked Mediterranean markets, or online.

Ouzo The anise flavour of the ouzo is great in this dish. I love the flavour that it adds.

How to make

This is a pretty quick and easy meal to make. I often make it during the week when I get home from work. I put some rice in my rice cooker, and make the spetsofai. Dinner is typically ready in about 45 minutes.

Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat and then add the sausage. Cook for approximately 15 minutes turning the sausage over midway through the cooking time. Remove the cooked sausage from the frying pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 2
Without cleaning the frying pan add the onion and saute for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the peppers and garlic and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Next, add the tomato paste and the tomatoes. Cook, stirring regularly for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 3
Add the oregano, paprika, salt, chili flakes and water. Return the sausage to the pan. Stir and cover. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the peppers are soft. Continue to cook, uncovered, until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Add in the ouzo, stir and cook for a minute or two more.

Step 4
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking tips

Making spetsofai is really quite simple! Follow these easy tips to make sure that you make the perfect spetsofai.

After frying up your sausage, don’t clean your pan. The fat left behind will add flavour when you start to sauté your veggies. If you want to limit the amount of calories and fat in your dish, use a paper towel to carefully soak up some of the grease. Leave behind any brown bits however; those are flavour packed bits!

If you want some added flavour, top your spetzofai with crumbled feta before serving.

Recipe substitutions

If you cannot find Greek loukaniko then you can use an Italian sausage instead. In fact, any sausage will do. The flavour of course will vary with the type chosen.

If you would rather not use ouzo in this recipe you can replace it with either brandy, red or white wine. If you would prefer to keep it alcohol free, substitute the ouzo for either chicken, beef or vegetable broth.

Recipe variation

You can make a vegan spetzofai by using vegan sausages. Try to select a brand which will hold up to being sliced and fried.

Related recipes

If you are looking for other recipes which star loukaniko or bell peppers, I think you will love these!

Sauteed green peppers A simple and delicious side dish. This is a great way to use up lots of green peppers – the flavour is truly amazing.

Loukaniko with kefalotyri This is a fun and delicious way to serve loukaniko. I like to squeeze some lemon on top for a really great taste.

Pasta with tomato and red pepper sauce This is a vegan meal that is perfect for Orthodox Lent! The sauce is rich, a bit spicy and easy to make.

How to serve

Spetzofai (spetsofai) can either be served as a meal or as a meze. It goes amazingly well with ouzo, or ouzo based drinks like our ouzo lemonade. You should always try to serve it with some olives (our marinated olives would be perfect!) and cheese; feta or a nice sharp kefalotyri would be ideal accompaniments. And don’t forget the bread! A perfect spetzofai has just enough liquid that a nice piece of bread can soak it up and clean your plate.

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Thanks for sharing!