Spinach and cheese pie – Spanakopita (Greek specialty)

Spinach and Cheese Pie – A Greek Delicacy Adapted with Love

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8

If you are looking for a recipe that brings you the authentic taste of a traditional dish, the spinach and cheese pie, known as Spanakopita, is the perfect choice. This delicate dish is not only an explosion of flavors but also an excellent way to utilize fresh spinach from the garden. It is a versatile recipe, ideal both warm and cold, perfect for a family lunch or an elegant dinner.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 1.2-1.5 kg fresh spinach (use young spinach for a milder taste)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 bunch of green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2-3 bunches of fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 large eggs (preferably from free-range hens)
- 250-300 g cheese (a combination of cheese, sheep telemea, and cottage cheese)
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon flour (to bind the mixture)
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (to absorb excess moisture)
- 8 sheets of pastry (make sure they are fresh)
- 50 ml olive oil (optional: you can use melted butter)
- 2 teaspoons seasoning base (if you want a stronger flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 bell pepper (optional, for added texture)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparing the Spinach and Cheese Pie – Step by Step:

1. Washing and preparing the spinach: Start by washing the spinach in several waters to ensure it is clean. Remove the thicker stems and chop it finely or leave it larger, depending on your preference.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add 30 ml of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat. After a few minutes, add the crushed garlic and diced bell pepper, if you chose to use it. Continue to sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Adding the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pot. Let it cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and releases its juice. Once the liquid has evaporated, remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle in the breadcrumbs, mixing well. The breadcrumbs will help absorb moisture and provide a pleasant texture.

4. Preparing the cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, grate the cheese and telemea and mix them with the cottage cheese. Add the eggs, sour cream, flour, chopped parsley, and pepper. Mix well to obtain a uniform paste.

5. Combining the ingredients: Once the spinach mixture has cooled slightly, pour the cheese mixture on top and gently stir to avoid crushing the spinach.

6. Assembling the pie: Preheat the oven to 150°C. In a deeper baking dish, place 4 overlapping sheets of pastry, generously brushed with olive oil between them. Make sure the edges of the dish are covered. Pour the spinach and cheese mixture, then cover with the remaining sheets of pastry, brushed well just like the ones below. Fold the edges of the sheets over the ends to seal the pie and decorate with leftover pastry scraps around the edges.

7. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes on low heat (150°C). Then, increase the temperature to 180°C and let it brown nicely on top for 15 minutes. You will know it is ready when the pie becomes golden and crispy.

8. Serving: Let the pie cool slightly before cutting it. You can serve it warm, but it is also delicious cold. Garnish with a few fresh parsley leaves for a festive look. You can pair it with a fresh green salad or yogurt for a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical Tips:

- Fresh ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients to achieve the best flavors. Fresh spinach is essential in this recipe.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to adapt your pie, you can add sautéed mushrooms or olives for an extra touch of flavor.
- Lactose intolerant individuals: Substitute the cheeses with lactose-free options to make the recipe accessible to everyone.
- Freezing: The pie can be easily frozen. You can prepare it and freeze it before baking, and when you have guests, take it out of the freezer and bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:

This spinach and cheese pie provides an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, while the cheeses provide essential calcium and protein. Calories may vary depending on the ingredients used, but a serving has approximately 300-400 calories.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

2. How can I make the pie crispier?
A good trick is to use high-quality pastry sheets and make sure to brush them well with oil between layers.

3. Can it be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Bake it shortly before serving to enjoy it warm.

4. What can I serve with the pie?
The pie is delicious alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with mint. A refreshing drink, such as mint tea or a light white wine, perfectly complements the meal.

Explore this recipe and allow yourself to be carried away by Mediterranean flavors, turning every meal into a true culinary journey. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: # 1.2-1.5 kg spinach# 2 onions# 1 bunch green onion# 2 cloves of garlic# 2-3 bunches parsley# 4 eggs# 250-300 g cheese (cheddar + sheep telemea + cow cheese)# 2-3 tablespoons sour cream# 1 tablespoon flour# 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs# 8 sheets of pastry# 50 ml olive oil# 2 teaspoons base for dishes# 1 teaspoon oregano# 1/2 bell pepper (optional)# 1 teaspoon pepper