Spanakopita, a traditional Greek dish, is a savory pie made with layers of phyllo pastry, spinach, feta cheese, and various herbs. Here’s a recipe for delicious Spanakopita:Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound (about 450g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup finely chopped green onions (or yellow onions)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pastry:
- 1 package phyllo dough, thawed (follow package instructions)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large pan, sauté the chopped spinach in olive oil until wilted. Drain any excess liquid.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crumbled feta, ricotta, chopped green onions, minced garlic, beaten eggs, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the Spanakopita:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
- Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Brush it with melted butter.
- Repeat with several more layers of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter.
- Spread half of the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.
- Continue layering phyllo sheets on top of the filling, brushing each layer with butter.
- Add the remaining spinach and cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Finish with a few more layers of phyllo on top, brushing each layer with butter.
- Bake:
- Trim any excess phyllo hanging over the sides of the baking dish.
- Score the top layers into squares or triangles with a sharp knife.
- 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 cutting along the scored lines.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Spanakopita!
This dish is great as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course. The combination of the flaky phyllo and the savory spinach and cheese filling is truly delightful.
