Spinach pie

Spanakopita: Greek Pie with Spinach and Feta

Spanakopita is more than just a simple pie; it is a culinary experience filled with flavors and textures, blending tradition with contemporary tastes. This recipe, popular among food lovers worldwide, is based on simple yet quality ingredients, offering a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 20-30 minutes
- Baking time: 40-50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of fresh spinach
- 500 g of Feta cheese
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 1 package of phyllo dough (about 400 g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Made with Love:
1. Preparing the Spinach: Start by cleaning the spinach leaves. Wash them well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, boil the spinach in salted water for 3-5 minutes until it becomes soft. Drain well and let it cool for a few minutes. It is essential to ensure that no excess water remains to avoid a soggy filling.

2. Chopping the Ingredients: Once the spinach has cooled, chop it finely. In a large bowl, add the chopped spinach, finely chopped green onions, dill, and fresh parsley. These herbs not only add a fresh taste but also a splash of color to the dish.

3. Cheese and Seasoning: Add the crumbled Feta cheese to the spinach filling along with the beaten eggs. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper, but be careful! Feta cheese is known for its saltiness, so it’s best to taste the mixture before adding extra salt.

4. Assembling the Pie: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Take a pie dish and start layering the phyllo dough sheets, brushed with olive oil, one by one. Make sure each sheet is well-brushed to achieve a golden and crispy crust. Continue layering phyllo sheets until you have a base layer.

5. Adding the Filling: Place the spinach and Feta mixture over the layer of phyllo sheets. Cover with a few more sheets, well-brushed with oil, making sure to seal the filling properly. You can make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

6. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until the pie is golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during baking will be simply irresistible.

7. Serving: Let the pie cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Spanakopita is delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve it with a glass of buttermilk or yogurt, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Practical Tips:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: You can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.
- Variations: You can add chopped Kalamata olives or even a few cubes of sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost. Also, for a more intense taste, you can try adding some chopped garlic to the filling.
- Phyllo Dough: For a richer texture, use fresh phyllo dough instead of frozen. It has a better flavor and bakes more evenly.

Nutritional Benefits:
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, being rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Feta cheese adds protein, while fresh herbs provide antioxidants that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. This pie is a fantastic choice for a healthy lunch or a light dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can substitute Feta cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese, but the taste will be different.
- How can I store spanakopita? You can store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.
- Is it suitable for vegetarians? Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and is a wonderful way to consume vegetables.

Successful Combinations:
Spanakopita pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a tomato salad with onions and olives. Additionally, a light blonde beer or a dry white wine can perfectly complement this dish.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try making this delicious pie! Let me know how it turned out and what your favorite variations were. Enjoy your meal!