This spinach pie is a Greek classic: made with dark leafy greens and salty feta cheese, enclosed in several layers of perfectly crisp, flaky filo pastry. If you have never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. Delicious hot or cold, perfect to serve vegetarians and suitable for lunch or a light dinner. Serve with a tomato salad liberally doused in extra virgin olive oil and a light sprinkling of sea salt flakes. It’s also the perfect picnic dish, made into parcels with the same filling, cocktail size or larger.
Spanakopita has been a part of Greek cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the region of Thrace, which is located in northeastern Greece. The dish is often associated with the town of Kavala, which is known for its delicious spanakopita. The recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a popular dish throughout Greece and other parts of the world.
Classically, the main ingredients in Spanakopita are spinach, feta cheese, and filo pastry. Other ingredients can be added to the recipe, such as onions, garlic, dill, parsley, and lemon juice. The combination of these ingredients creates a savoury and flavoursome dish that is both healthy and delicious.
In truth my version is not strictly authentic as I generally use anything leafy and green available in my fridge, ie. kale, wild garlic (when in season) and Swiss chard however spinach is always the dominant vegetable. The addition of Aleppo pepper is my twist, I am addicted to that chilli kick.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE FOR Spanakopita – greek spinach & feta pie
I would love to know how it turned out. Please let me know by commenting below. Or you could snap a photo and share and tag it on Instagram @nordickitchenstories.
Spanakopita – Greek Spinach & Feta Pie
Ingredients
- 550 g Spinach or a blend of kale or Swiss chard (but predominately spinach)
- Spring onions one bunch or 1 medium leek, finely chopped
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic crushed
- 200 g Feta
- 100 g Ricotta
- 3 eggs
- 3 tbsp Parmesan grated
- 3 tbsp Dill
- 25 g Butter, melted (or Olive oil) + extra for frying
- 1-2 pinch Nutmeg freshly grated
- Salt and pepper
- 6-8 sheets Filo pastry
- 1/4-1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper depending on your taste
- 1 tbsp Black and white sesame seeds to garnish
- 1 lemon zest only
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180℃ fan. In a loose bottom cake tin line with parchment, Grease the sides.
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the onion, spring onions or leek and garlic. Cook for several minutes on a medium to low heat until soft. Wash the spinach, kale and chard if using and dry thoroughly. Shred the kale and chard. Now add these leaves to the pan, cook and stir over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until the leaves have wilted. Now add the spinach and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Once cooked add half of the dill and stir. Pour the contents of the pan into a colander to drain and cool.
- Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk lightly. Now add the ricotta, lemon zest, nutmeg, salt and pepper and lightly whisk again. Squeeze out as much of the liquid from the spinach as possible then add the cooled spinach mixture to the eggs and stir with a large spoon. Crumble the feta and add with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan to the bowl and stir.
- Now for the filo pastry. Brush 4 sheets of filo to begin with with butter, or if you prefer olive oil. Drape and overlap the pastry in the loose bottom tin so that its completely sealed, add more pastry if needed. Pour the spinach mixture into the lined tin, smooth and level. Sprinkle with the remaining dill and Parmesan then fold the filo over and scrunch, I don’t seal the pie completely as you can see from the images, this enables any moisture to escape. Brush the top with more butter or oil and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.
- Place in the oven and bake for 50-65 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the tin after approximately 10 minutes.
Notes
Garlicky Chicken
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