Onion, Spinach, and Cheese Pie: A Delicacy Cooked with Love
If you are looking for a recipe that combines flavor with tradition, then the onion, spinach, and cheese pie is the perfect choice. This recipe, which brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, reminds us of family meals, of the moments when we gather around the table and savor each slice. Additionally, it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit everyone's tastes. Let's begin our culinary journey!
Preparation time: 1 hour (plus 1 hour for rising)
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 600 g of fresh spinach (or frozen)
- 5 large onions, thinly sliced
- 300 g of cheese (you can use ricotta, telemea, or a combination)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of thick sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of hot paprika or chili paste
- 1 teaspoon of ground pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the dough:
- 500 g of flour
- 250 ml of warm water
- 25 g of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the filling
1. Start by blanching the spinach. Boil water in a large pot and add the spinach for 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Then, drain it well and let it cool.
2. In a skillet, add a little oil and sauté the sliced onions over medium heat until they become translucent and slightly golden. This is when the onion's flavors will be released and add a sweet note to the filling.
3. Add the drained spinach over the onions, along with the cumin, paprika, pepper, and salt. Mix well and let the mixture cool completely.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with the sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy dough.
2. In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, oil, and mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too soft, you can add a little fine cornmeal, as I did, to give it a yellow color and an interesting texture.
Step 3: Assembling the pie
1. Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a towel, for one hour until it doubles in volume.
2. Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out one part on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet.
3. Grease a baking dish with oil and place the first sheet of dough. Add the spinach, onion, and cheese filling, then spread the second sheet of dough on top. Between the two sheets, you can add chopped dill, cheese, or even canned tuna if you have that option.
4. Prick the surface of the pie with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the pie with the remaining beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust.
Step 4: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pie for about 50 minutes until it is golden brown on top.
2. Check the pie after 40 minutes; if it browns too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Serving and Suggestions
The onion, spinach, and cheese pie is served warm but is just as delicious cold. You can accompany it with a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or with a yogurt flavored with garlic. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta, to add a distinct note to your pie.
Nutritional Benefits
This pie is not only tasty but also nutritious. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, while cheese adds essential proteins and calcium. Eggs contribute to the protein content, and onions provide antibacterial and antioxidant benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach is an excellent alternative. Make sure to let it thaw and drain well before adding it to the filling.
2. What other ingredients can I add to the filling?
You can add sautéed mushrooms, grated zucchini, or even olives for an extra flavor boost. Be creative and adapt the filling to your preferences!
3. How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
4. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead, leaving it in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before using it.
I hope this recipe brings you joy and inspiration in the kitchen! The onion, spinach, and cheese pie is more than just a dish; it's a way to create memories, share special moments with loved ones, and explore the passion for cooking. Enjoy your meal!
If you are looking for a recipe that combines flavor with tradition, then the onion, spinach, and cheese pie is the perfect choice. This recipe, which brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, reminds us of family meals, of the moments when we gather around the table and savor each slice. Additionally, it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit everyone's tastes. Let's begin our culinary journey!
Preparation time: 1 hour (plus 1 hour for rising)
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 600 g of fresh spinach (or frozen)
- 5 large onions, thinly sliced
- 300 g of cheese (you can use ricotta, telemea, or a combination)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of thick sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of hot paprika or chili paste
- 1 teaspoon of ground pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the dough:
- 500 g of flour
- 250 ml of warm water
- 25 g of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the filling
1. Start by blanching the spinach. Boil water in a large pot and add the spinach for 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Then, drain it well and let it cool.
2. In a skillet, add a little oil and sauté the sliced onions over medium heat until they become translucent and slightly golden. This is when the onion's flavors will be released and add a sweet note to the filling.
3. Add the drained spinach over the onions, along with the cumin, paprika, pepper, and salt. Mix well and let the mixture cool completely.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with the sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy dough.
2. In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, oil, and mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too soft, you can add a little fine cornmeal, as I did, to give it a yellow color and an interesting texture.
Step 3: Assembling the pie
1. Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a towel, for one hour until it doubles in volume.
2. Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out one part on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet.
3. Grease a baking dish with oil and place the first sheet of dough. Add the spinach, onion, and cheese filling, then spread the second sheet of dough on top. Between the two sheets, you can add chopped dill, cheese, or even canned tuna if you have that option.
4. Prick the surface of the pie with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the pie with the remaining beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust.
Step 4: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pie for about 50 minutes until it is golden brown on top.
2. Check the pie after 40 minutes; if it browns too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Serving and Suggestions
The onion, spinach, and cheese pie is served warm but is just as delicious cold. You can accompany it with a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or with a yogurt flavored with garlic. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta, to add a distinct note to your pie.
Nutritional Benefits
This pie is not only tasty but also nutritious. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, while cheese adds essential proteins and calcium. Eggs contribute to the protein content, and onions provide antibacterial and antioxidant benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach is an excellent alternative. Make sure to let it thaw and drain well before adding it to the filling.
2. What other ingredients can I add to the filling?
You can add sautéed mushrooms, grated zucchini, or even olives for an extra flavor boost. Be creative and adapt the filling to your preferences!
3. How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
4. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead, leaving it in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before using it.
I hope this recipe brings you joy and inspiration in the kitchen! The onion, spinach, and cheese pie is more than just a dish; it's a way to create memories, share special moments with loved ones, and explore the passion for cooking. Enjoy your meal!