Spinach and cheese pie
Spinach and Cheese Pie: A Delicious and Satisfying Recipe
Who doesn't love a warm pie with a rich and flavorful filling? This spinach and cheese pie is not only a savory choice for family meals but also a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Plus, it's an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into our diet in a delicious manner.
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2 jars of spinach (about 400 g, well drained)
- 300 g salty cheese (feta or cottage cheese works great)
- 2 eggs
- 1 medium onion
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the dough:
- 300 ml warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet of dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Flour as needed (about 750 g, but add gradually)
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the filling
We start with the filling, as it needs to cool before being incorporated into the dough. In a pan, add the 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Peel and finely chop the onion, then add it to the pan. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent.
Now add the well-drained spinach and grated cheese to the pan. Mix well and let the ingredients sauté for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the filling has cooled slightly, beat the 2 eggs and add them to the mixture. Mix everything very well.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, olive oil, the 2 eggs, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well to dissolve the yeast. Gradually add the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your hands. It is important not to add too much flour at once to achieve a stretchy and easy-to-shape dough.
Once we have a dough, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 15-20 minutes in a warm, draft-free place.
Step 3: Assembling the pie
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a work surface with flour and dust your hands with a little flour to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into two parts: 2/3 for the bottom of the pie and 1/3 for the top lattice.
Roll out the first part of the dough with a rolling pin until you get a thin sheet the size of the baking tray (about 30x40 cm). Place the sheet in the tray, making sure to lift it up on the edges.
Pour the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the entire surface of the sheet in the tray.
To create the lattice on top, take the remaining dough and shape it into strips about the thickness of a finger. Lay them over the filling, forming a cross or lattice pattern. This step not only looks good but also helps with even baking.
Step 4: Baking the pie
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Bake the pie for 30 minutes. After this time, take the pie out and brush it with a beaten egg yolk, then return it to the oven for another 10 minutes or until the crust becomes golden and crispy.
Chef's Tip
Make sure the spinach is well-drained; otherwise, the pie will turn out soggy. A delicious variation of this pie is to add herbs such as dill or parsley to the filling for an even more intense flavor.
Serving and Pairing
The spinach and cheese pie is wonderful both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light lemon dressing, or even with Greek yogurt for a refreshing taste. It also makes an excellent choice for a picnic or a lunch brought to the office.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of spinach and cheese pie contains approximately 320 calories. It is a good source of protein and calcium due to the cheese, while spinach provides a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.
2. What other cheeses can I use?
Ricotta or mozzarella cheese are excellent alternatives, bringing a different texture.
3. Can the dough be made a few days in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, cover it well, and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before use.
4. Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! It is a 100% vegetarian dish rich in nutrients.
In conclusion, the spinach and cheese pie is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together the delicious flavors of simple ingredients. Try this recipe and add it to your culinary repertoire! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: for the filling: 2 jars of spinach 300 g salty cheese 2 eggs 1 onion 4 tablespoons oil salt and pepper for the dough: 300 ml water 3 tablespoons oil 2 eggs 1 packet of yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar flour as needed (approximately 750 g)
