Spanakopita Recipe
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 spring onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 500g (1.1 lbs) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
For the Phyllo Pastry:
- 1 package of phyllo dough (about 12-14 sheets)
- 1 cup melted butter or olive oil (for brushing the phyllo sheets)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and spring onions, and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach in batches, stirring until wilted and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.
- Once cooled, transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl. Add the dill, parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and beaten eggs. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as feta cheese is already salty.
- Assemble the Spanakopita:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish or a large baking sheet.
- Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it in the baking dish, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush it with melted butter or olive oil.
- Repeat this process, layering 6-7 sheets of phyllo, each brushed with butter or oil.
- Spread the spinach filling evenly over the phyllo layers.
- Cover the filling with another 6-7 layers of phyllo sheets, each brushed with butter or oil.
- Tuck the overhanging phyllo edges into the sides of the dish to create a neat seal.
- Brush the top layer generously with butter or oil.
- Bake the Spanakopita:
- Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of the phyllo into squares or diamonds to make it easier to cut after baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into pieces.
Benefits
- Nutrient-Rich: Spanakopita is packed with vitamins and minerals from spinach, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
- High in Protein: The feta cheese and eggs add a good amount of protein to this dish.
- Versatile: Spanakopita can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or side dish.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie ahead of time, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Enjoy your delicious homemade spanakopita!