Spetsofai – Greek Sausage in Tomato Sauce

A rustic and hearty Greek dish made with spicy sausage, bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce. Traditionally from Thessaly, it’s comfort food at its best! ️

Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) Greek country sausages (or spicy pork/beef sausages), cut into chunks

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 2–3 bell peppers (red & green), sliced into strips

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (400g / 14 oz) chopped tomatoes (or 4 fresh ripe tomatoes, grated)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• ½ cup dry red wine (optional, but authentic)

• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

‍ Instructions

1. Brown the sausages

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven.

   • Add sausage chunks and fry until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the vegetables

   • In the same pan, add onions and peppers. Sauté until softened.

   • Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Make the sauce

   • Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen flavor.

   • Add red wine (if using) and let it simmer until slightly reduced.

   • Add chopped tomatoes, sugar, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer

   • Return sausages to the pan.

   • Lower heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and sausages are fully cooked.

5. Serve

   • Garnish with fresh parsley.

   • Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or fried potatoes — perfect for soaking up the sauce!

✅ Rustic & hearty
✅ Bursting with Mediterranean flavors
✅ Perfect with wine and bread