Spinach pie with homemade dough

Spinach and Cheese Pie - A Delicacy at Home

When you hear about spinach and cheese pie, you think of enticing flavors, fresh aromas, and a perfectly crispy texture. This recipe, inspired by rich culinary traditions, is simple yet full of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty lunch, and the combination of spinach and cheese will win you over right away. So, let’s get to work!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 1 egg
- 500 g flour
- 220 ml warm water
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:
- 400 g spinach (thawed and drained or fresh)
- 1 carrot (grated)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 250 g cow or sheep cheese (or 150 g cheese and 100 g cheese)
- A bunch of dill (finely chopped)
- 100 ml sour cream
- Pepper and salt to taste
- 4 eggs (one yolk for brushing)
- 3 tablespoons milk (for brushing)

Recipe History

Pies are an essential part of many culinary cultures and have evolved over the centuries. This spinach and cheese pie is a perfect example of a dish that combines simple ingredients to create a delicious meal. Spinach, a popular ingredient due to its nutritional values, perfectly blends with cheese, offering a rich and satisfying flavor. It’s a wonderful choice for both vegetarians and those looking to try something new.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough
- Start with the Butter: Take the butter out of the fridge at least an hour before you begin. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt it completely. Soft butter is essential for a flaky dough.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Add the butter and mix until you achieve a crumbly texture.
- Add the Egg and Water: Beat the egg slightly and add it to the mixture. Continue with the water, adding it gradually. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky.
- Refrigerate: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

2. Preparing the Filling
- Spinach: If using frozen spinach, thaw it in the microwave for about 15 minutes, being careful not to cook it. Drain the spinach well to remove excess water.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the drained spinach with the onion, grated carrot, cheese (or the cheese and cheese combination), sour cream, chopped dill, and beaten eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assembling the Pie
- Divide the Dough: Take the dough out of the fridge and divide it into two parts. One part will be the base, and the other will be for the lattice.
- Form the Base: Roll out a thick sheet from the first part of the dough and place it in a greased baking dish (about 20x30 cm), covering the edges as well.
- Add the Filling: Spread the spinach filling evenly over the dough base.
- The Lattice: Roll out the other piece of dough and cut it into strips. Arrange them over the filling in a lattice pattern.

4. Baking
- Brush with Yolk: Mix the egg yolk with the 3 tablespoons of milk and brush the lattice.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pie for 40 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Serving and Suggestions
Once out of the oven, let the pie cool slightly before cutting it. It’s delicious both warm and cold, and for a touch of freshness, you can serve it with a green salad with lemon. A cup of yogurt or sour cream on the side will also perfectly complement the flavors.

Possible Variations
- Additions: You can add feta cheese for a more intense flavor or olives for a Mediterranean touch.
- Herbs: Instead of dill, try parsley or basil for a different aroma.

Tips and Tricks
- Tenderizing the Dough: The dough becomes even flakier if left to rest overnight in the fridge before use.
- Freezing: The pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap.
- Finding the Perfect Cheese: Choose fresh cheese for a better flavor or cow cheese for a creamier filling.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh spinach?
Yes, fresh spinach is excellent. Make sure to blanch it quickly and then drain it well.

2. What can I use instead of cheese?
You can use tofu for a vegan option, adding spices to enhance the flavor.

3. How do I store the pie?
It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its crispy texture.

This spinach and cheese pie is not just a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to bring health and good taste to the table. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!