Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Phyllo Pie
This Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Phyllo Pie is a delicious and flaky delight that brings together the rich flavors of fresh spinach, creamy feta, and the savory touch of kalamata olives. The crispy phyllo crust adds an enticing crunch, making this dish perfect for lunch or as a satisfying snack. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it promises to impress with its vibrant colors and bold flavors. Perfect for sharing with friends or as a delightful addition to your next gathering, this pie is both quick to prepare and simply irresistible. Feel free to adjust the quantities of feta and olives to suit your palate—it's a customizable dish that's sure to become a favorite!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh spinach
1 1/2 lbs (Coarse stems removed)
Butter
7 tablespoons (Melted and kept warm)
Phyllo dough
7 sheets (Each 17x12 inches)
Grated parmesan cheese
12 tablespoons (For layering)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Red onion
1 small (Thinly sliced)
Feta cheese
3/4 cup (Finely crumbled)
Kalamata olives
3/4 cup (Sliced)
Olive oil
4 tablespoons (Drizzled on top before baking)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the spinach thoroughly and removing the coarse stems. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain in a colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess moisture with your hands and set aside.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the middle rack is used for even baking.
3
While the oven is heating, melt the butter and keep it warm. Prepare a large baking sheet by brushing it lightly with some of the melted butter.
4
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it on the buttered baking sheet. Use a brush to apply about 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the top of the sheet. Sparse sprinkling of 2 scant tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese on top.
5
Continue layering the phyllo sheets (total of 7 sheets), applying melted butter and parmesan cheese between each layer as you go, ensuring that the final layer is lightly brushed with butter.
6
Once the layers are ready, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes until the crust is slightly golden.
7
Remove the crust from the oven and spread the cooked spinach evenly over the base, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt.
8
Distribute the thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the spinach.
9
Drizzle olive oil over the toppings to enhance flavor and moisture.
10
Return the assembled phyllo pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the feta is melted and the edges are golden brown.
11
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Slice into squares using a pizza wheel and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
12g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Phyllo Pie?
It is a savory, flaky pie made with layers of buttery phyllo dough, fresh wilted spinach, creamy feta cheese, kalamata olives, and red onions.
How many sheets of phyllo dough are required?
The recipe calls for 7 sheets of phyllo dough, each measuring approximately 17x12 inches.
What is the baking temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for both the pre-bake and the final baking stage.
How long do you pre-bake the phyllo crust?
The layered phyllo crust should be pre-baked for 3-5 minutes until it is slightly golden before adding the toppings.
How do I prepare the fresh spinach?
Wash the spinach, remove coarse stems, and boil in salted water for 2-3 minutes. Then, drain, rinse with cold water, and squeeze out all excess moisture.
What ingredients are used between the phyllo layers?
Each layer is brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with about 2 scant tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
Is this Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Phyllo Pie vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains vegetables, cheese, and pastry.
How much feta cheese is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of finely crumbled feta cheese.
What kind of olives are best for this pie?
The recipe specifically recommends 3/4 cup of sliced kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
How long is the final bake time after assembly?
The assembled pie should be baked for an additional 15 minutes or until the feta is melted and the edges are golden brown.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 20g of fat, 12g of carbohydrates, and 8g of protein.
How much butter is used in total?
The recipe requires 7 tablespoons of melted butter.
Can I serve this pie at room temperature?
Yes, this dish can be served warm immediately or enjoyed at room temperature.
How should I cut the pie for serving?
The recipe suggests using a pizza wheel to slice the pie into squares.
Do I need to leave a border when adding toppings?
Yes, leave a 1-inch border around the edges when spreading the spinach and toppings.
How much olive oil is used for the drizzle?
Drizzle 4 tablespoons of olive oil over the toppings before placing the pie back into the oven.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 small red onion, thinly sliced.
Is there parmesan cheese in this recipe?
Yes, 12 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese are used for layering between the phyllo sheets.
Can I adjust the amounts of feta and olives?
Yes, the recipe is customizable, and you can adjust the quantities of feta and olives to suit your palate.
Why do I need to run the spinach under cold water?
Running the spinach under cold water stops the cooking process so it doesn't become overcooked and mushy.
Which oven rack should I use?
The middle rack should be used to ensure even baking of the phyllo crust and toppings.
Is the recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring fresh vegetables like spinach and heart-healthy fats like olive oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the seasonings (salt and pepper).
Can this be eaten as a snack?
Absolutely, it is listed as both a satisfying snack and a perfect lunch option.
Do I need to salt the spinach water?
Yes, bringing a pot of salted water to a boil is recommended for cooking the spinach.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is described as crispy and flaky due to the multiple layers of buttered phyllo dough.
How much spinach do I need to buy?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of fresh spinach.
Should the butter be cold or melted?
The butter should be melted and kept warm for easy brushing onto the phyllo sheets.
What is the primary seasoning used?
The pie is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.
Is this a difficult recipe to prepare?
No, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is described as quick to prepare.