Spetsofai - The Perfect Sausage Lunch in Paleochora, Crete

Nothing could be better than the lunch I had lastTwo Garlic cloves, finely chopped
Sunday. Having walked up the Anidri Gorge near toTwo big sweet peppers, one red and one green, cut
Paleochora, Crete, with my sons, we installedinto large slices or chunks
ourselves in The Old School House Cafe in Anidri forOne small chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)
some much needed fortification before setting offOne glass dry red wine
back down the gorge.A pinch of oregano or thyme and a bayleaf.
Whilst the kids did their thing, my choice for lunch wasOlive oil
a plate of the excellent Spetsofai they make thereSalt & pepper
with some fresh crusty bread and washed down withSlice the sausages and fry them in a couple of glugs
a couple of bottles of cold Mythos. Let me tell you itof olive oil a deep frying pan or saucepan. When the
really hit the spot and, although its considered a wintersuasages are about done, add chopped garlic (and chilli
dish, it makes for a pleasant lunchtime meal at almostif you want it) and saute for a minute or two - don't let
any time of year. The following is not their recipe butit brown. Add the onion, peppers and chili pepper. Fry
my best guess. But it works.gently for a few minutes to soften them. Add
To make this properly, you will need to find typicaltomatoes (or passata...actually I prefer passata in this),
greek village sausages. The smaller, chipolata sizedwine and the herbs. Leave to simmer on a very low
ones tend to work best. If you can't find these, usetemperature for about 20 minutes.
pepperoni suasages or even chipolata sizedYou can add aubergine (small chunks) which you
Lincolnshire sausages.would throw in and saute before the adding garlic
One kilo (two pounds) Greek village sausages (orstage.
pepperoni style sausages)Serve with some nice fresh bread and imagine you
One tin tomatoes (400 grams, a little less than oneare sitting on the shady terrace of a mountain cafe
pound) or tomato passatawith the sea glinting in the distance.
One large onion cut into large slices