Spetzofai (Σπετζοφάϊ), Traditional Greek Dish

Here’s a cozy recipe for Spetzofai (Σπετζοφάϊ), a traditional Greek dish that's perfect for chilly days. It features spicy sausages cooked with peppers in a flavorful tomato sauce. This rustic, hearty meal will warm you right up!

Ingredients:

• 500g spicy Greek sausages (or any spicy sausage of your choice, like chorizo)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• 2 green bell peppers, sliced
• 1-2 hot green chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 large tomatoes, grated or peeled and chopped (or 1 can of chopped tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread (to serve)

Instructions:

Cook the Sausages:
In a large, deep skillet or a wide saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet. Brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the bell peppers and chilies, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften and begin to caramelize.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Stir in the grated tomatoes, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and create a rich sauce.
If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of water or some red wine to loosen it.

Combine Everything:
Return the browned sausages to the pan and stir them into the sauce and vegetables. Add a bit of sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes (if desired).
Cover the pan and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. The sausages should be cooked through and the sauce should be thickened.

Serve:
Once everything is well-cooked and delicious, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the Spetzofai hot with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Spetzofai!

This dish is ideal for a cold day, with its spicy sausages, tender peppers, and savory tomato sauce. It's the perfect comfort food, bringing a touch of warmth to any meal!