Classic Mediterranean Spinach & Herb Pie (Spanakopita without Cheese)
Discover the rich flavors of Greece with this delightful Spinach & Herb Pie, also known as Spanakopita. Traditionally enjoyed during Lent and loved by many for its fresh and vibrant ingredients, this cheese-free version captures the essence of authentic Greek cuisine. Packed with nutrient-rich spinach, fragrant herbs, and seasoned vegetables, this pie is a celebration of wholesome ingredients wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry. Perfectly crispy on the outside and deliciously savory on the inside, it makes for a wonderful appetizer, light lunch, or side dish. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Enjoy this timeless recipe filled with tradition and flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
2 lbs (washed and coarsely chopped)
fresh dill
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
garlic
1 clove (finely chopped)
spring onions
4 (finely chopped)
leek
1/2 medium (finely chopped)
Pam cooking spray
as needed (for greasing)
phyllo pastry sheets
1/2 lb (approximately 14 sheets) (thawed and ready to use)
sea salt
to taste
fresh ground pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by coarsely chopping the washed spinach and placing it in a colander. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and allow it to drain for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, press or squeeze the spinach firmly to remove any excess liquid, ensuring a well-textured filling.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach with the finely chopped dill, parsley, garlic, spring onions, leek, and freshly ground pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and evenly distributed.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it’s ready for baking.
4
While the oven warms, prepare a 9-inch round or square Pyrex baking dish by spraying it generously with Pam cooking spray. Take half of the phyllo pastry sheets and lay them across the bottom of the dish, ensuring to allow some overlap over the edges. Lightly spray each sheet with the cooking spray as you layer them.
5
Evenly distribute the spinach mixture over the layered phyllo, spreading it out to cover the surface completely. Carefully fold the overlapping edges of the phyllo over the filling to enclose it.
6
Take the remaining phyllo sheets and layer them on top of the enclosed spinach mixture, again spraying each one lightly with cooking spray except for the top sheet. To give a decorative touch, feel free to tuck or ruffle the edges as desired.
7
Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes to settle before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this Mediterranean Spinach & Herb Pie?
This dish is a traditional Greek Spinach & Herb Pie, also known as Spanakopita, prepared without cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is cheese-free and uses plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegans and those following Lenten diets.
How much spinach is required for the filling?
You will need 2 lbs of fresh spinach that has been washed and coarsely chopped.
Why do I need to salt and drain the spinach?
Salting and draining the spinach for 10 minutes helps remove excess liquid, ensuring the pie filling has a better texture and doesn't make the pastry soggy.
What herbs are used in this Spanakopita?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh dill and 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley.
How many spring onions are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 finely chopped spring onions.
What type of leek should I use?
You should use 1/2 of a medium leek, finely chopped.
Is garlic included in the filling?
Yes, the filling includes 1 clove of finely chopped garlic.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pie.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9-inch round or square Pyrex baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Spray the dish generously with Pam cooking spray to prevent the phyllo from sticking.
How much phyllo pastry is needed?
You will need approximately 1/2 lb of phyllo pastry sheets, which is about 14 sheets.
How do I layer the phyllo pastry?
Lay half of the sheets on the bottom with overlap, then add the filling, and place the remaining sheets on top.
Should I grease each sheet of phyllo?
Yes, lightly spray each sheet with cooking spray as you layer them to ensure a crispy texture.
How do I enclose the spinach filling?
Fold the overlapping edges of the bottom phyllo sheets over the top of the spinach mixture before adding the final top layers.
How long does the pie take to bake?
The pie should bake for 45 to 50 minutes until it is golden brown and crispy.
Can I add a decorative touch to the pastry?
Yes, you can tuck or ruffle the edges of the top phyllo sheets to give the pie a decorative look.
How long should the pie cool before serving?
Allow the pie to cool for about 30 minutes to let the filling settle before slicing.
Can this pie be served at room temperature?
Yes, this pie can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
What seasonings are used in the spinach mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is packed with nutrient-rich spinach and fresh herbs, making it a wholesome and healthy option.
What makes the pastry crispy?
The combination of thin phyllo sheets and the use of cooking spray between layers creates a light, crispy finish.
Is this an authentic Greek dish?
Yes, it captures the essence of authentic Greek cuisine, specifically the cheese-free version of Spanakopita.
Can I use frozen spinach instead?
While fresh is recommended, if using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and squeezed very dry.
How many servings does this make?
A 9-inch pie typically serves 4 to 6 people as a light lunch or appetizer.
Is the phyllo pastry supposed to be thawed?
Yes, ensure the phyllo pastry sheets are fully thawed and ready to use before starting.
What is the texture of the pie?
The pie features a flaky, crispy exterior with a savory and moist spinach and herb interior.
Do I spray the very top sheet of phyllo?
The instructions suggest spraying each sheet except the top sheet, though many prefer a light spray on top for extra browning.
Is this dish traditionally eaten during specific times?
It is traditionally enjoyed during Lent in Greek culture when many people abstain from dairy.
What should I serve with this spinach pie?
It works well as a standalone light lunch, or it can be served as a side dish with a fresh salad.