Crispy Greek Spinach & Paneer Spanakopita Pie

Greek-Style Spinach Spanakopita Recipe

Discover the delicious and savory flavors of Greece with this classic Spinach Spanakopita recipe. Combining the vibrant taste of spinach, crumbled paneer (or cottage cheese), and aromatic herbs, wrapped in delicate homemade phyllo pastry, this vegetarian appetizer will make a standout dish at any gathering. Perfectly baked with a golden, crispy crust, this Spanakopita is a comforting blend of earthy greens and creamy cheese that is sure to delight your guests.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Preparation Time

Serving Size

| Servings | 4 |

Cuisine

| Cuisine | Greek |

Course

| Course | Appetizer |

Diet

| Diet | Vegetarian |

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Phyllo Dough

1. Begin by making the phyllo pastry dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt.
2. Slowly add water and knead the mixture into a soft, smooth dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Making the Spinach-Paneer Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter.
2. Add the grated garlic and sliced onions to the skillet and sauté them until they become golden brown and caramelized.
3. While the onions are cooking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
4. Once the onions are caramelized, add the washed spinach leaves and cook them until they wilt down.
5. Add the crumbled paneer to the spinach mixture and continue cooking until well combined.
6. Season the filling with salt, fresh thyme, and dried oregano. Stir everything together and remove it from the heat. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Rolling and Preparing the Phyllo Pastry

1. Roll out the phyllo dough as thinly as possible on a floured surface. The dough should be almost transparent when rolled.
2. Place the rolled-out phyllo dough into a pie mold or baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
3. Trim any excess dough from the edges, and using a fork, prick the base of the pastry three times. This helps the pastry bake evenly.
4. Bake the bottom pastry layer in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until it starts to firm up.

Step 4: Folding the Phyllo Dough

1. While the base is baking, take the remaining phyllo dough and fold it into a “book fold.” This involves folding the dough into thirds, similar to how you would fold a letter.
2. Roll out the folded dough thinly again, repeating the folding and rolling process three times to achieve the desired flakiness in the pastry.

Step 5: Assembling the Spanakopita

1. Once the base of the pie is partially baked, remove it from the oven and add the spinach-paneer filling.
2. Roll out the remaining phyllo dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges carefully to create a tidy pie.
3. Use a fork to prick the top of the pie lightly, which helps it bake evenly and prevents air bubbles from forming.

Step 6: Baking the Spanakopita

1. Return the assembled pie to the oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
2. For an extra touch of golden texture, brush the top of the pie with melted butter or glaze it with a drizzle of honey 5 minutes before baking is complete.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the Spanakopita is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
2. Cut into slices and serve this delightful Greek-Style Spinach Spanakopita as an appetizer at your next party or family gathering. Pair it with Creamy Polenta and Herbed Vegetables in Roasted Bell Pepper Sauce for an extraordinary meal.

Tips for Perfect Spanakopita

• Thinning the Dough: The secret to perfect phyllo pastry is rolling it as thin as possible. Aim for a delicate, almost see-through texture.
• Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding ingredients such as feta cheese, herbs like dill or parsley, or even a mix of different leafy greens.
• Freezing Option: Spanakopita freezes well. Prepare the pie and freeze it before baking. You can bake it directly from frozen, just add an extra 15 minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy this rich and flavorful Greek delicacy that balances the lightness of spinach and the creamy texture of paneer, wrapped in flaky homemade phyllo dough. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a wholesome, vegetarian snack, this recipe brings a piece of Greece to your table!