Spanakopita: A Spinach and Feta Sensation
Spanakopita, a classic Greek dish, is a delightful combination of flaky phyllo pastry and a rich, flavorful spinach and feta filling. This savory pie, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its fresh ingredients and harmonious blend of flavors. Follow this recipe to create your own Spanakopita masterpiece and indulge in a taste of Greece.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pan For sautéing the garlic, green onions, and spinach.
- 1 Large Bowl For mixing the spinach and feta filling.
- 1 Baking Dish To assemble and bake the Spanakopita. A square or rectangular dish is commonly used.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 500 grams Fresh Spinach washed and chopped
- 200 grams Feta Cheese crumbled
- 250 grams Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup Green Onions finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Dried Dill
For the Pastry:
- 1 package Phyllo Dough (about 400 grams) thawed
- 225 grams Unsalted Butter melted
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped green onions, sautéing until softened.
- Add chopped spinach to the pan in batches, allowing it to wilt. Continue until all the spinach is cooked down.
- Transfer the cooked spinach, green onions, and garlic to a large bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add crumbled feta, ricotta, dried dill, salt, and pepper to the spinach mixture. Mix well to combine.
Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C.
- Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
- Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
Assemble the Spanakopita:
- Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish, brushing it with melted butter.
- Repeat the process, layering 7-8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter.
- Spread half of the spinach and feta filling evenly over the phyllo layers.
- Continue layering the remaining sheets of phyllo on top of the filling, brushing each layer with butter.
- Spread the remaining filling on top.
Finish the Assembly:
- Fold any excess phyllo over the top and brush with additional melted butter.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top of the pie into squares or diamonds, being careful not to cut through to the bottom.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Serve:
- Allow the Spanakopita to cool for a few minutes before slicing along the scored lines. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Spanakopita, a classic Greek dish, is a delightful combination of flaky phyllo pastry and a rich, flavorful spinach and feta filling. This savory pie, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its fresh ingredients and harmonious blend of flavors. Follow this recipe to create your own Spanakopita masterpiece and indulge in a taste of Greece.