There’s something irresistibly comforting about a golden, flaky pie filled with creamy, savory goodness. Spinach and feta pie, a classic dish often found in Greek cuisine, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect balance of hearty spinach, tangy feta cheese, and a buttery crust. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, a brunch centerpiece, or a side for a special dinner, this recipe is sure to wow your family and friends. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think!
Below, you’ll find everything you need to make your own spinach and feta pie at home.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about two medium bunches) or 500g frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Crust:
- 1 package of phyllo dough (approximately 10 sheets), thawed if frozen
- 1/3 cup melted butter (or olive oil) for brushing the phyllo layers
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- If you’re using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly, remove tough stems, and roughly chop the leaves. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the spinach to the pan, cooking until wilted. (If using frozen spinach, simply skip to cooking it with the onions.) Once cooked, allow the spinach mixture to cool, and then squeeze out any excess moisture with your hands or using a clean kitchen towel.
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl. Add the crumbled feta, ricotta (if using), eggs, dill, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a round or rectangular pie dish with a bit of oil or butter.
- Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the dish, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Repeat with 6-7 more sheets, brushing each layer with butter as you go until the base is sturdy enough to hold the filling.
- Spoon the spinach and feta filling evenly into the prepared crust. Spread it out gently with the back of a spoon.
- Fold any overhanging phyllo dough back over the filling, brushing with butter to seal. Layer a few more sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each with butter, to create a crisp, golden topping. Trim any excessively overhanging dough. Use your hands to crimp the edges neatly if needed.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
- Using a sharp knife, gently score the top layer of the phyllo into serving-sized portions (this makes it easier to cut later). Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a decorative finish, if you like.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the phyllo crust turns golden brown and crisp.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with a side salad or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
Tips and Variations
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the entire pie a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is a fantastic option for holiday meals or busy evenings.
Substitutions: No phyllo dough? You can use puff pastry, shortcrust pastry, or even homemade dough.
Add-Ins: For extra flavor, you can mix in sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or pine nuts into the filling.
Serving Ideas: Pair your spinach and feta pie with a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad or a light soup for a complete meal.
Leftover Magic: This pie tastes just as good the next day. Reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispness, or enjoy it cold as a snack.
Spinach and feta pie is comfort, tradition, and flavor wrapped in flaky pastry. It’s a recipe that brings people together and keeps them coming back for more. Try it out—you’ll be glad you did!
إرسال تعليق