Spinach pie

Delicious Spinach and Cheese Pie: An Easy and Satisfying Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

I present to you a recipe that combines the fresh flavors of spinach with cheese, all in a delicious and fluffy dough. This spinach and cheese pie is not only a great choice for a main meal but can also be a savory appetizer or an ideal snack for a party. With deep roots in culinary traditions, pies have been prepared throughout history in various forms and with different fillings, from savory to sweet. Every culture has its unique recipes, but today we focus on this delicious combination.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:
- 250 g spinach (cooked and chopped)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for the filling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 100 g grated cheese or cheese (feta cheese can also be used for a stronger flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder, salt, milk, oil, and eggs. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to mix the ingredients until you obtain a smooth and soft dough, similar to thick cream. If the dough is too thick, you can add a splash of milk.

2. Preheating the oven:
While preparing the dough, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is essential to ensure even baking.

3. Baking the first half of the dough:
Pour half of the dough into a tart pan (or a baking tray) lined with parchment paper. Place the pan in the oven for 5-7 minutes. This step helps the dough to set slightly and become the perfect base for the filling.

4. Preparing the spinach filling:
In a saucepan, add the cooked and chopped spinach. If you are using fresh spinach, make sure to cook it first to soften it. Add the milk, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. It is important that the filling is not too hot when you place it over the dough.

5. Assembling the pie:
After the first half of the dough is baked, remove the pan from the oven and spread the spinach filling evenly over the pre-baked dough. Then, pour the remaining dough over the filling, ensuring that it is completely covered.

6. Final baking:
Return the pie to the oven for about 20 minutes. After this time, remove the pie and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Then, return the pie to the oven for another 15-20 minutes or until it turns a golden brown color. You can check if it is well-baked by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

7. Serving:
Allow the pie to cool slightly before cutting it into servings. It is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a tomato salad or with a yogurt and garlic sauce for an extra freshness.

Practical Tips:
- Variation with other vegetables: You can add mushrooms or zucchini to the filling to diversify the recipe.
- Cheese: Instead of classic cheese, experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor.
- Serving: This pie is perfect alongside a glass of dry white wine or with cold green tea.

Nutritional Benefits:
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid. It is also rich in antioxidants and fiber, making it a healthy choice. A serving of spinach and cheese pie contains approximately 250 calories, but this number can vary depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach is an excellent option, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.
- How can I store the pie? The pie keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
- Is it suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using plant-based milk and replacing the eggs with a binding agent, such as applesauce or flaxseeds.

This spinach and cheese pie will bring a smile to everyone who tastes it. It is a simple, quick, and flavorful recipe, perfect for any occasion! Don't hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family, as every meal is better when enjoyed together!