Spanakopita is a traditional Greek pastry made with layers of flaky phyllo dough and a filling of seasoned spinach and feta cheese. This savory dish is a favorite in Greek cuisine and is often served as an appetizer or as part of a mezze platter. The combination of the crisp phyllo dough and the creamy spinach and cheese filling makes spanakopita a delicious and satisfying dish.
The key to making a delicious spanakopita is using high-quality ingredients. Fresh spinach is the star of this dish, so be sure to use the best quality spinach you can find. The spinach should be washed and thoroughly dried before being cooked down with garlic, onions, and olive oil. The cooked spinach is then combined with feta cheese, eggs, and fresh herbs to create the tasty filling for the spanakopita.
Ingredients
The ingredients needed for Spanakopita, a traditional Greek spinach pie, are as follows:
1. Phyllo dough: Phyllo dough is a paper-thin pastry that is commonly used in Greek cuisine. It adds a crispy and flaky texture to the pie.
2. Spinach: Spinach is the main ingredient in this recipe. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and adds a delicious flavor to the pie.
3. Feta cheese: Feta cheese is a tangy and salty cheese that is commonly used in Greek cuisine. It pairs perfectly with the spinach and adds a creamy texture to the filling.
4. Onion and garlic: Onion and garlic are used to add a savory flavor to the filling. They are typically sautéed before being mixed with the spinach and cheese.
5. Eggs: Eggs are used to bind the ingredients together and give the filling a light and fluffy texture.
6. Dill and nutmeg: Dill and nutmeg are used as seasonings in this recipe. They add a unique and aromatic flavor to the filling.
7. Olive oil: Olive oil is used to brush the phyllo dough layers and give them a golden and crispy finish.
8. Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are used to season the filling and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Overall, these ingredients come together to create a delicious and flavorful Greek spinach pie that is perfect for any meal.
Steps to Make Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)
Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish made with spinach and feta cheese, layered between sheets of crispy phyllo dough. Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious savory pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Thaw the phyllo dough according to the package instructions. Once thawed, cover the phyllo dough with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with crumbled feta cheese, beaten eggs, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
- Take a sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have about 8-10 layers.
- Spread the spinach and feta mixture on top of the layered phyllo dough.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining phyllo dough sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of phyllo dough into serving-sized pieces.
- Bake the Spanakopita in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut along the scored lines and serve warm.
Enjoy your homemade Spanakopita! This Greek spinach pie is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course.
Tips from professional chefs for making Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)
When making Spanakopita, it’s important to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cooked spinach. Excess moisture can make the pie soggy and affect the texture. To do this, place the cooked spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess water. This will ensure a crispy and delicious pie crust.
Another tip is to use high-quality feta cheese when making Spanakopita. Feta adds a distinct salty and tangy flavor to the dish. Choose a feta that is creamy and crumbly, rather than too dry. It’s best to buy feta that’s sold in brine to keep it moist and flavorful. If you can, try to find authentic Greek feta for an authentic taste.
For a beautiful and professional-looking presentation, consider layering the phyllo sheets individually instead of stacking them all together. This will result in a more even and flaky crust. Brush each layer with melted butter or olive oil to ensure a nice golden brown color. Finally, when cutting the Spanakopita into individual pieces, use a serrated knife to prevent the layers from crumbling.
Reviews
I recently tried making the Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) recipe and it turned out absolutely delicious! The combination of the crispy phyllo dough with the flavorful spinach filling was a match made in heaven. The recipe was easy to follow and the end result was worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
The filling had a perfect balance of flavors. The combination of sautéed onions and garlic added a savory note, while the feta cheese provided a creamy and tangy taste. The spinach was cooked just right, with a nice texture that wasn’t too mushy or too tough. It was a great way to incorporate some healthy greens into a dish that was still incredibly tasty.
The phyllo dough was the star of the show. It baked up beautifully, turning golden brown and crispy. Each bite had a satisfying crunch that contrasted perfectly with the savory filling. The layers of dough added a visually appealing element to the pie, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
I would highly recommend trying the Spanakopita recipe for a flavorful and impressive dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to enjoy a delicious homemade meal, this Greek Spinach Pie is a winner. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is sure to impress both taste buds and guests!
I recently tried the Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) recipe and I must say, it was absolutely delicious! The combination of the crispy phyllo dough and the creamy spinach filling was just perfect. The recipe was easy to follow and the end result looked as good as it tasted.
The spinach filling was flavorful and had just the right amount of seasoning. The addition of feta cheese gave it a nice tangy kick. I loved how the phyllo dough turned out crispy and golden brown, while still being light and flaky. It added a nice textural contrast to the smooth filling.
This dish is a great option for a light dinner or a tasty appetizer. It’s also a good way to incorporate some greens into your meal. I would definitely recommend trying this recipe if you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dish with a Greek twist. It’s a crowd pleaser and a great way to impress your guests!
I recently tried making the Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) recipe and I must say it exceeded my expectations. As a fan of Greek cuisine, I was excited to give this recipe a try, and it did not disappoint. The combination of spinach, feta cheese, and phyllo dough created a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The recipe was easy to follow, and the end result was a beautiful and delicious spinach pie. I loved how the phyllo dough became crispy and golden during baking, while the filling remained moist and flavorful. The mixture of spinach and feta was seasoned perfectly, with just the right amount of saltiness from the cheese. Each bite was bursting with the taste of fresh spinach and creamy feta.
The Spanakopita made for a wonderful appetizer or main course. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. I enjoyed it as a light dinner with a side salad and some tzatziki sauce on the side. The leftovers also tasted great the next day, proving that this dish is just as delicious as leftovers.
I would highly recommend trying the Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) recipe. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that will transport you to the heart of Greece. Whether you are a fan of Greek cuisine or simply looking to explore new flavors, this recipe is definitely worth a try. I will certainly be making it again in the future!
I recently tried making Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) for the first time, and I must say, it turned out absolutely delicious. I was a bit apprehensive about making it at first, as I had never worked with phyllo dough before, but the recipe was easy to follow and the end result was well worth it.
The filling for the Spanakopita was bursting with flavor. The combination of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs created a heavenly mix of savory and tangy tastes. The spinach was perfectly cooked, still retaining some texture and freshness. The feta cheese added a creamy and salty element that elevated the dish to a whole new level. The onions and herbs provided a subtle aroma and added depth to the overall flavor.
The phyllo dough added a wonderful crunch and flakiness to the Spanakopita. It was slightly tricky to work with, as it can tear easily, but with some patience and practice, I managed to create a beautiful golden crust. The layers of phyllo dough were thin and crisp, providing a contrast to the rich and moist filling. Each bite was filled with a delightful combination of textures.
I highly recommend trying this Spanakopita recipe. It’s a great dish to serve as an appetizer or even as a main course with a side salad. The flavors are vibrant and the presentation is impressive. It’s a perfect dish to showcase your culinary skills and treat your taste buds to a taste of Greece.
I recently tried making the Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) recipe, and I must say, it turned out to be absolutely delicious. As a fan of Greek cuisine, I was excited to give this recipe a try, and it did not disappoint. The combination of spinach, feta cheese, and phyllo dough was a match made in heaven.
Preparing the dish was relatively easy, although it did require a bit of time and effort. The most time-consuming part was washing and preparing the spinach leaves, but it was well worth it in the end. Sauteeing the spinach with garlic and onions added a wonderful flavor to the filling.
The phyllo dough was a bit tricky to work with at first, as it can tear easily if not handled carefully. However, with a bit of practice, I was able to layer the dough perfectly, creating a crispy and golden crust.
The final result was a savory and flavorful pie that had the perfect balance of textures. The spinach was tender, the feta cheese added creaminess, and the phyllo dough provided a satisfying crunch. I served it as an appetizer at a dinner party, and it was a hit with everyone. The flavors were authentic and reminded me of the Greek dishes I’ve tried in the past.
I highly recommend trying the Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) recipe for anyone who enjoys Greek cuisine or wants to try something new. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is definitely worth a try. I will surely be making it again in the future!
As a avid lover of Greek cuisine, I recently had the pleasure of trying out the recipe for Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) at home. Let me tell you, it was an absolute delight! The combination of the flaky phyllo pastry and the flavorful filling made with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs was simply heavenly.
The recipe was easy to follow, and the ingredients were readily available. I was able to find all the necessary items at my local grocery store without any trouble. The prep time was minimal, and the result was well worth the effort. The pie came out of the oven golden brown and crispy, with a wonderful aroma that filled the kitchen.
When I took my first bite, I was instantly transported to a sunny Greek island. The spinach was cooked to perfection, and the feta cheese added a rich and tangy flavor. The herbs gave the pie a delightful freshness that was both comforting and invigorating. Every mouthful was a symphony of taste and texture.
I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone who wants to experience a taste of Greece in their own home. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) is a dish that is sure to impress. It is the perfect appetizer, snack, or even main course. So go ahead, give it a try and savor the flavors of Greece!
