Delicious Spanakopita: Traditional Greek Spinach Pie
Indulge your taste buds in this delightful Spanakopita, a cherished traditional Greek dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheeses encased in golden, flaky phyllo dough. This family recipe has been lovingly passed down through generations and is perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply a comforting meal at home. Serve it warm as a main dish or a savory appetizer, and watch it disappear in no time. Enjoy this slice of Greek culinary heritage with family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing the filling)
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
feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
phyllo dough
8 sheets
olive oil
1/4 cup (for brushing the phyllo)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x9 inch square baking pan.
2
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, green onion, and minced garlic for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is soft and lightly browned.
3
Add the rinsed and chopped spinach along with the fresh parsley to the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
4
In a medium bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix well, then incorporate the cooled spinach mixture until evenly combined.
5
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking pan, making sure it overhangs the edges. Brush lightly with olive oil. Repeat this process with three more sheets, layering them in the pan and brushing each sheet with oil.
6
Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly into the pan. Fold the overhanging phyllo dough over the filling to create a seal, brushing the top lightly with olive oil.
7
Layer the remaining four sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each sheet with olive oil, and tuck in the edges to seal the filling securely.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
9
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Spanakopita!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spanakopita?
Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish consisting of fresh spinach, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheeses encased in flaky phyllo dough.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
A 9x9 inch square baking pan is recommended.
How much spinach is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of rinsed and chopped spinach.
What types of cheese are used in the filling?
This recipe uses 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese.
How many eggs are included in the mixture?
The filling requires 2 lightly beaten eggs.
How much olive oil is used for sauteing?
You use 3 tablespoons of olive oil to saute the filling ingredients.
How many sheets of phyllo dough are needed in total?
The recipe requires 8 sheets of phyllo dough.
How many layers of phyllo go on the bottom of the pan?
You layer 4 sheets of phyllo dough at the bottom before adding the filling.
How many layers of phyllo go on top of the filling?
The remaining 4 sheets of phyllo dough are layered on top.
What aromatics are used in the spinach mixture?
The recipe uses 1 large onion, 1 bunch of green onions, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
How long should I saute the onions and garlic?
Saute them for 5 to 7 minutes or until the onion is soft and lightly browned.
What fresh herb is added to the spinach?
1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley is added to the spinach mixture.
How much olive oil is used for brushing the phyllo?
Approximately 1/4 cup of olive oil is used for brushing the dough layers.
How long do I cook the spinach in the skillet?
Cook the spinach for about 2 minutes until it wilts.
How long does the Spanakopita take to bake?
It takes between 30 and 40 minutes in the oven.
How do I know when the Spanakopita is done?
It is done when the top is golden brown and crispy.
Should the spinach mixture be hot when mixed with cheese?
No, you should let the spinach mixture cool for a few minutes before combining it with the egg and cheese mixture.
How do I seal the edges of the phyllo?
Fold the overhanging dough over the filling and tuck in the top edges to secure it.
Is this Spanakopita recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can this dish be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is perfect as a savory appetizer or as a main dish.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, the 9x9 inch pan should be lightly greased before layering the dough.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your baking pan.
How should I cut the finished pie?
After letting it cool for a few minutes, you should cut it into squares.
Do I brush every sheet of phyllo with oil?
Yes, each individual sheet of phyllo should be brushed lightly with olive oil.
What should I do with the eggs before adding them to the cheese?
The eggs should be lightly beaten before being combined with the ricotta and feta.
What kind of onion is used besides regular onion?
The recipe also includes a bunch of green onions.
Is the parsley fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh parsley.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients used in this Spanakopita recipe.