Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe: The Greek Spinach Pie

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Introduction: The Allure of Spanakopita

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Greece with this traditional Spanakopita recipe. This iconic spinach and feta pie, enveloped in flaky, golden phyllo pastry, is a testament to the timeless allure of Greek cuisine. The delicate balance of the creamy feta, nutritious spinach, and crisp, buttery pastry offers a delightful texture and taste that will transport you to the Aegean with every bite. Ideal for brunch, lunch, or a hearty snack, Spanakopita is a wholesome choice for any palate. As you journey through the preparation process, you’ll discover the harmonious blend of simplicity and taste that characterizes Greek gastronomy.

History of Spanakopita

This iconic dish has been gracing Greek tables for generations, dating back to ancient times. Spanakopita combines staple ingredients like spinach and feta to create a dish that transcends regional borders and cultural barriers.

Fun Facts

1. Versatility: Spanakopita can be made as individual triangles or as a whole pie.
2. Commonality: It’s a standard dish at most Greek festivals and family gatherings.
3. Global Fame: The dish has been embraced by cuisines around the world.
4. Phyllo Wisdom: The use of phyllo dough adds a unique, crispy texture.

Nutritional Information

A single serving of Spanakopita provides:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g

Spanakopita is a nutritious option that offers a good balance of protein and healthy fats.

The nutritional content is balanced with a good amount of protein from feta and eggs, carbohydrates from phyllo dough, and healthy fats from olive oil.

Spanakopita Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh spinach, washed and drained
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pack phyllo dough, thawed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

The fresh spinach is the backbone of Spanakopita providing nutrients, color, and a tender texture, while the creamy feta adds a salty, tangy counterpoint. Olive oil, a staple in Greek cooking, adds a subtle richness. The onions and garlic offer a savory base, with parsley and dill contributing a herby freshness. Eggs help bind the filling, ensuring a cohesive texture. The phyllo dough, when brushed with melted butter, bakes to a crispy, golden perfection encapsulating the moist filling.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
3. Stir in spinach, parsley, and dill, cooking until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach mixture, feta, eggs, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
5. Brush a baking dish with some melted butter. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with more butter. Repeat this process with about half of the phyllo sheets.
6. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.
7. Continue layering and buttering the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the spinach mixture.
8. Before baking, score the top layers of phyllo (without cutting all the way through to the filling) to facilitate easier cutting later.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until phyllo is crispy and golden brown.
10. Allow to cool for a few minutes before cutting along the previously scored lines and serving warm.

The layering and buttering of phyllo dough ensure a crispy texture and golden color while the pre-sautéing of vegetables releases moisture to prevent a soggy pie. Scoring the pie before baking makes for easier serving post-baking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Prep time includes washing, draining, and chopping vegetables, as well as preparing the phyllo dough.

Cook Time: 50 minutes

This allows for the phyllo to become crispy and golden, and the filling to cook through.

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

The total time combines preparation and cooking time, providing ample time for all steps of the recipe.

Servings: 8

This recipe yields 8 servings, making it a suitable choice for family gatherings or small parties.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Managing phyllo dough can be a bit tricky for beginners, but with a careful approach, achieving a delicious result is quite attainable.

Recipe Notes:

• Ensure phyllo dough remains covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out while preparing the recipe.
• Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if unavailable, using a third of the amount specified.

Regional Differences:

Explore other regional pie varieties like the Italian Calzone or Turkish Börek.

Ingredients List:

Fresh spinach, Feta cheese, Extra virgin olive oil, Onions, Garlic, Fresh parsley, Fresh dill, Large eggs, Salt, Pepper, Phyllo dough, Unsalted butter,

Related Recipes:

• Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie)
• Hortopita (Greek Wild Greens Pie)

Conclusion

Spanakopita is not just a dish; it’s a representation of Greek hospitality and the mastery of combining simple ingredients into a gastronomic delight. We hope this guide has deepened your appreciation for this delectable dish and inspired you to create your own Spanakopita at home.

Thank you for being part of our culinary journey through Greek cuisine. We can’t wait to hear how your Spanakopita turned out. Feel free to share your experiences and photos with us. Happy cooking!