Savory Vegan Spinach Filo Triangles
Indulge in these deliciously flaky Vegan Spinach Filo Triangles, a plant-based twist on the classic Greek dish Spanakopita. This recipe features layers of crispy phyllo pastry filled with a savory blend of fresh spinach, herbs, and protein-rich tofu, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a delightful addition to any meal. With a hint of lemon and the crunch of walnuts, these triangles are not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. Share them at your next get-together or enjoy them as a snack for yourself!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/2 cup (For sautéing and brushing on phyllo pastry)
Fresh spinach
1/2 lb (Cleaned and trimmed)
Green onions
6 (Minced)
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
Fresh dill
1 cup (Chopped)
Firm tofu
2 lbs (Drained and pressed)
Lemon juice
1/3 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (Dried)
Walnuts
3/4 cup (Ground)
Nutritional yeast
1/4 cup (Nutritional seasoning)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Freshly cracked)
Phyllo pastry
1 lb (Thawed as per package instructions)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a cookie sheet by greasing it lightly with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cleaned and trimmed spinach, minced green onions, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Sauté the mixture, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and any liquid that comes out has fully evaporated. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
3
While the spinach mixture cools, drain the tofu and wrap it in towels to remove excess moisture. Press the wrapped tofu firmly to expel any remaining liquid, then transfer it to a bowl. Use a whisk or your hands to crumble and mash the tofu into a smooth consistency.
4
Take the cooled spinach mixture and squeeze out excess moisture, ensuring it is as dry as possible. Add the spinach to the bowl with the tofu along with the lemon juice, oregano, walnuts, 1/4 cup of olive oil, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
5
On a clean surface, lay out a sheet of phyllo pastry and generously brush it with olive oil. Place another sheet on top and brush it again with oil. Using a sharp knife, cut the phyllo stack into four equal strips.
6
At the bottom right corner of each strip, place a spoonful of the filling. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle, then continue folding the triangle along the strip until you reach the end. Seal the edge with a bit of oil to ensure it holds together. Place the finished triangle on the prepared baking sheet.
7
Repeat with the remaining filling and phyllo sheets. Once all triangles are assembled, bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your delightful Vegan Spinach Filo Triangles.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Vegan Spinach Filo Triangles?
They are a plant-based version of the classic Greek Spanakopita, featuring crispy layers of phyllo pastry filled with spinach, tofu, and herbs.
What is the primary protein source in this recipe?
Firm tofu is used as the primary protein source and a substitute for traditional feta cheese.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the triangles need to bake?
They should be baked for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
How do I prepare the spinach for the filling?
The spinach should be cleaned, trimmed, and sautéed with onions and garlic until wilted and the liquid has evaporated.
Why is it important to squeeze the spinach?
Squeezing out excess moisture ensures the filling is dry, which prevents the phyllo pastry from becoming soggy.
How should the tofu be prepared?
Tofu should be drained, wrapped in towels, pressed to remove moisture, and then crumbled or mashed into a smooth consistency.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of ground walnuts to add crunch and flavor.
What herbs provide the main flavor profile?
Fresh dill and dried oregano are the primary herbs used in the spinach and tofu mixture.
Is there a specific fat used for brushing the pastry?
Yes, olive oil is used for both sautéing the vegetables and brushing the phyllo sheets.
How many sheets of phyllo are used for each stack?
Each stack consists of two sheets of phyllo pastry, each brushed generously with olive oil.
How do I cut the phyllo sheets?
The stack of two phyllo sheets should be cut into four equal strips using a sharp knife.
How do I form the triangle shape?
Place filling at the bottom corner of a strip, fold it over to form a triangle, and continue folding diagonally along the strip.
What role does nutritional yeast play in this recipe?
Nutritional yeast is used as a seasoning to provide a savory, slightly cheesy flavor to the vegan filling.
Can I serve these triangles cold?
Yes, they can be served either warm or at room temperature.
How much spinach is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of fresh spinach.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe specifies 6 minced green onions.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
There are 4 minced garlic cloves included for a savory flavor.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a delightful party food snack.
How do I seal the edges of the pastry?
Use a bit of olive oil at the edge of the phyllo strip to ensure it holds together.
What texture should the tofu have?
The tofu should be mashed into a smooth consistency to blend well with the spinach.
How much phyllo pastry is needed?
One pound of thawed phyllo pastry is required.
What is the preparation for the walnuts?
The walnuts should be ground before being added to the filling mixture.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly cracked pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best served fresh, the triangles can be assembled and then baked just before serving.
Is this a Mediterranean-style dish?
Yes, it is a Mediterranean-inspired recipe based on traditional Greek flavors.
How do I prevent the phyllo from breaking?
Brushing each layer with olive oil keeps the pastry pliable and helps it crisp up without shattering during assembly.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with oil or parchment paper.