Pie with spetsofai

Spetsofai Tart – A Greek Delight in Your Pan

Spetsofai tart is a recipe of Greek origin that combines the rich flavors of sausages with fresh vegetables and a crispy pastry crust. Spetsofai, a term that doesn't translate easily, refers to a traditional dish from the island of Spetses, where the combination of sausages, peppers, and eggplants has become a symbol of local gastronomy. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with this savory tart that brings a piece of the Greek sun!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of pastry (preferably fresh pastry dough)
- 500 g pork sausages (choose high-quality sausages with a high meat content)
- 2 green bell peppers
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 eggplants (preferably smaller ones to be less bitter)
- 2 tablespoons crushed garlic
- 2 hot peppers (you can adjust the amount to your taste)
- 1 tablespoon concentrated tomato sauce
- Half a bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons cumin (this will give a warm and aromatic flavor)
- 2 egg whites
- Half a cup (about 50 g) grated Gruyère cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A few fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by slicing the sausages into rounds. Make sure they are of high quality, as their flavor will influence the final result. Chop the onions finely and prepare the crushed garlic. The peppers and eggplants will be diced into small cubes for even cooking.

2. Cooking the sausages: In a large skillet, add a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the sausage rounds and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden. Then, add the onion and garlic. Stir everything and let it sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Adding the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced eggplants and peppers. If necessary, add a little more olive oil. Add the hot peppers (seeded and finely chopped), salt, pepper, and the concentrated tomato sauce. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Preparing the pastry sheet: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pastry sheet in a baking pan lined with parchment paper. If desired, you can add another sheet on top to prevent puffing. Bake the pastry sheet for 30 minutes or until it turns slightly golden.

5. Combining the ingredients: Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a fork until frothy. Add the chopped parsley, cumin, and grated cheese to the sausage mixture, mixing well.

6. Assembling the tart: Remove the pastry sheet from the oven and add the sausage mixture on top. Make sure it is evenly distributed. Put the tart back in the oven, on the lower rack, and bake for 15 minutes, or until the mixture is firm and slightly browned.

7. Serving: Once the tart is ready, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing it. It is delicious both warm and at room temperature, making it ideal for parties or picnics.

Practical Tips:
- Use sausages with a high meat content for better flavor; smoked sausages can add an extra note of aroma.
- If you can't find Gruyère cheese, you can use feta or mozzarella for a milder option.
- Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the sausage mixture will help retain moisture and prevent drying out.

Variations:
- You can add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost.
- Substitute the vegetables with seasonal ones, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to adapt the recipe to your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits:
This tart is high in protein due to the sausages and eggs, while also providing essential vitamins from the vegetables. Eggplants are a good source of fiber, and peppers are full of antioxidants. One serving (about 1/6 of the tart) contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the chosen ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can try chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Is the tart suitable for a vegetarian diet? You can omit the sausages and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or broccoli, to turn it into a vegetarian recipe.

To accompany this savory tart, I recommend serving a dry white wine or fresh lemonade, which will perfectly complement the dish's flavors. I invite you to enjoy this unique recipe, full of tradition and taste, and to share your culinary experience with loved ones!