Spinach pie

Spinach and Cheese Pie - A Delicacy That Delights Even the Pickiest Eaters

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Who said spinach can't be delicious? This spinach and cheese pie recipe is perfect for those who might be skeptical about this green vegetable. Combined with creamy cheese and a flaky crust, this dish will turn even the pickiest eaters into spinach fans.

A bit of history: Pie, in its various forms, has been made for thousands of years, serving as an ingenious way to combine diverse ingredients into a hearty and tasty dish. Over time, each culture has contributed its own ingredients and techniques, giving rise to unique recipes. This spinach pie is a modern reinterpretation of the tradition of using pastry to encase delicious fillings.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 375 g flour
- 240 g butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Pepper, to taste
- Cumin, to taste
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the filling:
- 500 g fresh spinach (or frozen)
- 200 g crumbled cheese (feta or cottage cheese)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 egg for brushing (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and cumin. Add the diced butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add the egg and olive oil, continuing to knead until you obtain an elastic dough. If necessary, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This step is essential for achieving a flaky and manageable crust.

2. Preparing the Filling
- Wash the spinach under cold running water. Boil it for 3 minutes in salted water, then drain well and chop finely. This step helps reduce the moisture in the spinach, preventing a soggy pie.
- In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic in a little olive oil until golden. Add the chopped spinach and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Then, remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool.
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg with sour cream and cheese. Add this mixture to the spinach and combine well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assembling the Pie
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two pieces, one larger than the other. Use a rolling pin to roll out the larger piece of dough into a thin sheet, large enough to cover the bottom and sides of a pie dish.
- Place the rolled-out dough in the greased pie dish, ensuring it reaches the edges. Fill with the spinach mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Roll out the other piece of dough and cover the pie. Trim any excess dough and gently press the edges with your fingers to seal the filling. You can use the leftover dough to create decorations on top of the pie, adding a personal touch.
- If desired, you can brush the pie with a beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust.

4. Baking
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and bake the pie for about 30 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy.
- Once baked, let it cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes before slicing. It is delicious both warm and cold, making it perfect for picnics or family meals.

Useful Tips
- For a richer pie, you can add some slices of ham or crispy bacon to the filling.
- If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- Instead of crumbled cheese, you can experiment with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different texture.
- This pie pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce, adding a refreshing note.

Nutritional Benefits
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and magnesium. Eating spinach contributes to eye health, the immune system, and may help maintain cardiovascular health. Additionally, cheese provides calcium and protein, making this pie not only a delicious choice but also a healthy one.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can this pie be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking it. You can bake it directly from the freezer, but it will require a longer baking time.
- Can I use other vegetables instead of spinach? Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so you can use broccoli, zucchini, or even mushrooms.

A Personal Note
I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who taught us how to make pies with various fillings. Every time I make this pie, I feel like a part of those beautiful memories comes back to life, and the aroma of cheese and spinach brings a smile to my face. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left to do is get cooking! This spinach and cheese pie is the perfect choice for a family meal or a dinner with friends. Enjoy your meal!