Spanakopita – Greek Spinach Pie Recipe 🥧
Overview:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 411.8
Introduction:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Greece with this traditional Spanakopita recipe. This savory spinach pie, encased in layers of crispy fillo pastry, is a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a light lunch or as a savory snack, Spanakopita offers a blend of earthy spinach, tangy cheeses, and aromatic herbs that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. Follow this easy recipe to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 10 | Sheets phyllo pastry |
| 2 | Bunches spinach |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1/2 | Cup olive oil |
| 1 | Bunch green onion |
| 1/2 | Cup parsley |
| 2 | Tablespoons dill or fennel |
| 1/4 | Teaspoon nutmeg |
| 1/2 | Cup dry curd cottage cheese |
| 1 | Cup crumbled feta cheese |
| 1/4 | Cup grated parmesan cheese |
| 4 | Eggs |
| Butter, for brushing |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spinach: Heat the washed spinach in a pan over medium heat. Do not add water, as the moisture from washing the spinach is sufficient. Saute the spinach until just wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Saute Onions: In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the onion for 10 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the green onion and continue to fry for another 5 minutes until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the sauteed onions, cooked spinach, parsley, dill or fennel, nutmeg, dry curd cottage cheese, crumbled feta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and eggs. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Prepare Fillo Layers: Brush a 12×10″ baking dish with melted butter. Layer the bottom of the dish with a sheet of fillo pastry. Brush the sheet with butter and place another sheet of fillo on top. Continue layering and brushing each sheet with butter until you have 5 layers of fillo pastry.
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Assemble the Pie: Pour the spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top the mixture with another 5 layers of fillo pastry, brushing each layer with butter as before.
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Score the Top: Brush the top layer of fillo pastry with butter. Using a sharp knife or razor blade, score the top layer into serving-size squares.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle a little water over the top of the pie to prevent the fillo pastry from curling. Bake the Spanakopita in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the Spanakopita from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares along the scored lines and serve warm. Enjoy the crispy layers of fillo pastry filled with the delicious spinach and cheese filling.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 411.8
- Fat: 31.5g
- Saturated Fat: 11.9g
- Cholesterol: 148.7mg
- Sodium: 563.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.5g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 2.6g
- Protein: 14.1g
Conclusion:
With its crispy golden crust and flavorful spinach and cheese filling, this Spanakopita recipe is a must-try for any lover of Greek cuisine. Whether served as a light lunch, appetizer, or snack, this dish is sure to impress with its combination of textures and aromas. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean with every bite of this delicious Spinach Pie.
