Spinach Pie

Spinach and Cheese Pie: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Who doesn't love the aroma of a freshly baked pie that fills the entire house with a tempting scent? Spinach and cheese pie is a classic recipe that combines tradition with savory flavor, quickly becoming a family favorite. This recipe is not only simple but also offers an excellent way to introduce healthy vegetables into our diet.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8 servings

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 300 ml warm milk
- 150 g whole wheat flour
- 350 g white flour
- 10 g dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

*For the filling:*
- 200 g mozzarella
- 200 g telemea cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons thick yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic
- Fresh spinach (or frozen), to taste
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation steps:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by mixing the yeast with the sugar in a small bowl. Then add 100 ml of warm milk and mix well. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring perfect rising of the dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the white and whole wheat flour. Make a well in the center and add the salt, olive oil, and the remaining warm milk. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well in the flour. Use a spatula or your hands to incorporate the ingredients until you get an elastic and non-sticky dough.

3. Kneading: If you prefer, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough, choosing the kneading and rising program. Manual kneading takes about 10 minutes, and the dough should become smooth and elastic.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. Here, the yeast will do its magic, and the dough will become fluffy.

5. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Grate the mozzarella and telemea cheese on a large grater. In a bowl, combine the grated cheeses with the egg, yogurt, crushed garlic, and finely chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the mixture is well homogenized; if it is too thick, you can add a little extra yogurt.

6. Assembling the pie: Once the dough has risen, grease a 20x30 cm baking dish with a little oil and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough evenly in the dish, leaving it slightly higher on the edges. Do not use a thick layer of dough, as it will rise more while baking. If you have leftover dough, you can make delicious flatbreads.

7. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese and spinach mixture over the dough in the dish, leveling it well. At this point, you can sprinkle a little pepper or other preferred spices for a more intense flavor.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and bake the pie for 40-50 minutes or until the filling is golden and the crust is well baked. It is important to check from time to time to avoid burning.

9. Cooling and slicing: Once the pie is baked, let it cool in the dish for 10 minutes. Then, you can slice it into equal pieces, either rectangles or squares, according to preference.

Serving suggestions: This pie pairs wonderfully with a fresh tomato salad or plain yogurt. You can also add some olives or a tomato salsa to enhance the flavor. It is perfect both warm and cold, making it an ideal choice for picnics or festive meals.

Tips and variations: If you want to add a different note to the filling, you can include sautéed mushrooms, leeks, or various herbs like dill or basil. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta, to achieve a unique flavor.

Nutritional information: This pie is an excellent source of calcium due to the cheeses, and spinach provides a significant amount of iron and vitamins. A serving (approximately 100g) has about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with gluten-free flour or flour blends, but make sure to follow the proportions to achieve a good dough.

2. How can I store the pie? The pie stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

3. Can I freeze the pie? Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you want to prepare it, let it thaw in the refrigerator and bake it according to the instructions.

This spinach and cheese pie is not just a delicious meal but also a joyful cooking experience. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it will surely be appreciated by all who taste it. Enjoy every step of the process and feel free to add a personal touch to your recipe!