Spanakopita (Spinach Puffs) Recipe 🥟
Overview:
Spanakopita, a delightful Greek appetizer, offers a burst of flavors with its blend of spinach, cheeses, and herbs encased in flaky phyllo dough. Perfect for any occasion, these spinach puffs are not only delicious but also relatively low in calories, thanks to the smart use of reduced-fat ingredients. They are a wonderful addition to any Italian or Greek-themed meal, offering a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. Let’s dive into crafting these delectable treats!
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 48-50 puffs
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Phyllo dough |
| 1 | Package frozen spinach |
| 6-8 | ounces feta cheese |
| 16 | ounces low-fat cottage cheese |
| 1/2 | cup grated Parmesan cheese |
| – | Margarine |
| 3 | tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped |
| 1 | Onion, finely chopped |
| 2 1/2 | tablespoons olive oil |
| 3 | Eggs, beaten |
Instructions:
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Thaw Ingredients:
- Begin by thawing the frozen spinach and phyllo dough according to package instructions. Properly thawed ingredients ensure easier handling during the cooking process.
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Prepare Phyllo Dough:
- Phyllo dough is delicate, so handle it with care. Once the package is opened, cover it with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out as you work. Dry phyllo dough can become brittle and difficult to work with.
-
Saute Spinach Mixture:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add the thawed spinach, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook until all the liquid from the spinach is absorbed, and the mixture is well combined. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese with the beaten eggs. Mix until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Combine Spinach and Cheese Mixtures:
- Once the spinach mixture has cooled, add it to the cheese mixture. Stir well to ensure that the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. This combined filling will be the flavorful core of your spanakopita.
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Handle Phyllo Dough:
- Carefully unfold the phyllo dough sheets, keeping them covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Phyllo dough dries out quickly when exposed to air, so work swiftly.
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Assemble Spanakopita Puffs:
- Take two sheets of phyllo dough, layered on top of each other, and brush them lightly with melted margarine. Cut the sheets lengthwise into three equal strips, approximately 2×14 inches each.
- Place a tablespoon of the spinach-cheese filling at one end of a strip of phyllo dough. Then, fold the strip diagonally, forming a triangle with each fold. Continue folding until you reach the end of the strip, creating a neat triangular puff. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.
- Each double thickness of phyllo dough will yield three puffs, resulting in a total of 48-50 spinach puffs.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled spinach puffs on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving some space between each puff to allow for even baking.
- Brush the tops of the puffs with melted margarine to achieve a golden, flaky crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the filling is heated through.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the spanakopita puffs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These savory delights are best enjoyed warm, either as an appetizer or alongside your favorite Italian or Greek dishes.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 67.5
- Fat: 3.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
- Sodium: 154.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.1g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Protein: 3.6g
Conclusion:
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of these homemade spanakopita puffs, crafted with care and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a taste of the Mediterranean, these savory treats are sure to satisfy. With their golden, flaky crust and savory spinach-cheese filling, they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the culinary journey as you savor each bite of these delightful Greek-inspired appetizers!
