Recipe for Spanakopita (Spinach and Feta Pie)
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Filo pastry | 250g |
Spinach | 500g |
Feta cheese | 200g |
Green onions (scallions) | 80g |
Eggs | 1 |
Extra virgin olive oil | 20g |
Dill | 2 sprigs |
Black pepper | to taste |
Butter | as needed |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cleaning and prepping the vegetables. Rinse the green onions thoroughly, trim the ends, and remove the outer layers. Finely chop the dill and set aside.
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Cook the Spinach: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and sauté, covering the skillet with a lid to help soften the onions. Once the onions have softened, add the spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach occasionally and cook until it is wilted and tender.
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Drain the Spinach: Once the spinach is cooked, transfer it to a colander placed over a bowl to allow any excess water to drain away. After draining, transfer the spinach to a cutting board and chop it finely with a knife.
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Combine the Filling: Place the chopped spinach in a large mixing bowl. Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the spinach. Crack in one egg and stir everything together. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste, then mix in the finely chopped dill for a fragrant burst of flavor.
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Prepare the Filo Pastry: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) in static mode. Take the filo pastry and carefully separate it. For each sheet, layer 3 sheets of filo pastry together. Cut each stacked sheet into strips of about 10 cm in width, which will give you a rectangular shape.
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Brush with Butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each rectangle of filo pastry with the melted butter to ensure a golden, crisp finish.
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Fill and Fold the Pastry: Take a spoonful of the spinach and feta filling and place it at the bottom of one of the filo rectangles. Gently fold the filo pastry over the filling, bringing the edges together to form a triangle shape. Press gently along the edges to seal the pastry, ensuring the filling stays inside.
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Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush the tops of the folded filo triangles with the egg wash. This will give the spanakopita a shiny, golden crust when baked.
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Bake the Spanakopita: Arrange the filled and sealed pastry triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the spanakopita is golden and crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the spanakopita from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. These delicious, crispy spinach and feta triangles are perfect as an appetizer or a snack!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Protein | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fat | 14g |
Fiber | 2g |
These spanakopita triangles offer a satisfying mix of creamy feta, savory spinach, and the crispy crunch of filo pastry. They’re perfect for gatherings, parties, or a light meal on their own. Enjoy this traditional Greek treat that brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures!