Spanakopita, also known as Spinach and Cheese Pie, is a traditional Greek delicacy that holds a special place in many family gatherings, including my own, where it graces our table every Christmas Eve, a cherished recipe passed down from my mother. ππ₯§ Its rich flavors and sumptuous texture make it a true culinary delight, albeit one that requires a bit of time and effort. But fear not, for the end result is absolutely worth it, promising a culinary experience that will linger in your memory long after the last bite.
Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together, where spinach, feta cheese, and a medley of herbs and spices come together to create a symphony of taste. With a prep time of 30 minutes and a cook time of 35 minutes, our total time investment clocks in at just over an hour (1 hour 5 minutes to be exact), ensuring that every moment spent in the kitchen is a labor of love.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients, each carefully selected to imbue our Spanakopita with layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen spinach | 10 oz |
| Feta cheese | 6 oz |
| Onion | 1 |
| Small curd cottage cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp |
| Dried parsley | 2 tsp |
| Dried dill | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 3/4 tsp |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Margarine | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 8 tbsp |
| Filo pastry | 1 package |
With our ingredients assembled, let’s move on to the heart of the recipe, the instructions that will guide us through the creation of this delectable dish:
- Begin by mixing together the frozen spinach (thawed and well-drained), crumbled feta cheese, small curd cottage cheese, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, dried parsley, dried dill, and salt in a large bowl, ensuring that all the flavors meld together harmoniously.
- Add the beaten eggs to the spinach mixture, stirring until well combined, and set aside.
- Now, let’s prepare our baking dish by brushing the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with softened butter, ensuring that every corner is generously coated.
- Unfold the filo pastry leaves and carefully cut them in half crosswise, reserving one half for later use.
- Cover the remaining filo pastry with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out as you work.
- Take one filo leaf from the stack and gently place it in the prepared baking dish, folding over the edges to fit the bottom snugly.
- Lightly brush the entire surface of the filo leaf with melted butter, adding a luxurious touch to each layer.
- Repeat the process, layering filo leaves in the baking dish until half of the filo pastry is used, ensuring each layer is brushed with melted butter.
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C), readying it for the culinary magic about to unfold.
- Now, spread the prepared spinach mixture evenly over the layered filo pastry in the baking dish, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Proceed by layering the remaining filo pastry over the spinach mixture, repeating the same process as before to create a golden, buttery crust.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut through the top layers of the filo pastry, creating a diamond pattern that will not only add visual appeal but also make serving a breeze.
- Place the Spanakopita in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, until the pastry turns a glorious golden hue, approximately 35 minutes.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the Spanakopita from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to settle.
- Finally, slice into the Spanakopita, reveling in the symphony of flavors and textures that await within each bite.
And there you have it, a masterpiece of Greek cuisine, Spanakopita, ready to grace your table with its irresistible allure. Whether served as a savory appetizer, a delightful side dish, or the star of the meal itself, this Spinach and Cheese Pie is sure to captivate the hearts and palates of all who partake in its delicious bounty. Enjoy! π΄π₯
