Crispy Spinach and Feta Phyllo Pie
Delight in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delectable Crispy Spinach and Feta Phyllo Pie, also known as Spanakopita. This authentic Greek dish is packed with fresh, vibrant spinach, sweet onions, and a rich blend of cheeses, all harmoniously seasoned with aromatic herbs. The filling is enveloped in layers of golden, flaky phyllo pastry that provide a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect as a sumptuous lunch or a wholesome snack, this vegetarian recipe serves up to five people and is sure to impress family and friends alike with its rich taste and elegant presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for brushing)
onion
1 large (chopped)
green onion
1 bunch (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
spinach
2 lbs (rinsed and chopped)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
ricotta cheese
1/2 cup
crumbled feta cheese
1 cup
phyllo dough
8 sheets
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly oil a 9x9 inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
2
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the rinsed and chopped spinach along with the fresh parsley, continuing to sauté until the spinach wilts, about an additional 2 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, and crumbled feta cheese until well combined. Gently fold in the cooled spinach mixture until evenly distributed.
5
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it in the prepared baking pan, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Brush it lightly with olive oil. Repeat this process with three more sheets, layering and brushing each with oil for added flakiness.
6
Evenly spread the spinach and cheese filling over the layered phyllo in the pan. Fold the overhanging dough over the filling, sealing it in. Brush this layer with olive oil.
7
Finally, lay the remaining four sheets of phyllo dough over the top, brushing each with olive oil as you go. Tuck in the edges to seal the filling securely.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and crisp. Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Spinach and Feta Phyllo Pie?
It is an authentic Greek dish, also known as Spanakopita, featuring a blend of spinach, onions, and cheeses inside layers of flaky phyllo pastry.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves up to five people.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 9x9 inch square baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How much spinach is needed?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of rinsed and chopped spinach.
What types of cheese are used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
How many sheets of phyllo dough are used in total?
A total of 8 sheets of phyllo dough are used: 4 for the bottom layers and 4 for the top.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the onions, green onions, and garlic for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and lightly browned.
How much olive oil is used for brushing the pastry?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil specifically for brushing the phyllo sheets.
Should the spinach be cooked before adding it to the cheese?
Yes, the spinach should be sautéed until it wilts, which takes about 2 minutes.
Do I need to let the spinach mixture cool?
Yes, allow the spinach mixture to cool slightly before mixing it with the eggs and cheeses.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 2 lightly beaten eggs.
What fresh herbs are included in the pie?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How do I prevent the pie from sticking to the pan?
Lightly oil the baking pan before placing the first sheet of phyllo dough.
How long does the pie take to bake?
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is ready when it is golden brown and crisp.
What should I do with the overhanging phyllo edges?
Fold the overhanging edges over the filling to seal it in before adding the top layers of phyllo.
Can I serve this dish cold?
The recipe recommends serving it hot, but it should be allowed to cool slightly after baking to make it easier to cut.
What is the best way to cut the pie?
Once baked and slightly cooled, the pie should be cut into squares.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What type of onions are used?
The recipe uses both one large onion and one bunch of green onions.
How much olive oil is used for the initial sautéing?
Use 3 tablespoons of olive oil for the sautéing step.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized as Greek Mediterranean cuisine, suitable as a lunch or snack.
Is the phyllo dough brushed with anything other than oil?
No, this recipe specifically uses olive oil to brush between the layers for flakiness.
Can I add garnishes to the pie?
Yes, you can garnish the finished squares with additional fresh herbs if desired.
What is the preparation for the green onions?
The green onions should be chopped before being added to the skillet.
How are the eggs prepared for the mixture?
The 2 eggs should be lightly beaten before being whisked with the cheeses.
Does the recipe include any nutritional data?
The provided data does not include specific calorie, fat, or protein counts.
What makes the crust crispy?
The multiple layers of phyllo dough brushed with olive oil and baked at a high temperature create the signature crispy texture.