Greek Spinach & Cheese Pie (Spanakotiropita)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Greek
Greek Spinach & Cheese Pie (Spanakotiropita)
Description
Greek Spinach & Cheese Pie (Spanakotiropita) starts with a soft phyllo dough made from flour, water, vinegar, olive oil, and salt, kneaded to smoothness and rested in small portions to improve elasticity. The filling combines sautéed and wilted spinach and spring onions with crumbled feta cheese, fresh dill, and mint. Herbs add brightness while feta brings a salty tang. Once mixed and drained, the filling is encased in thin sheets of rolled phyllo dusted with corn starch to prevent sticking and baked. The pie comes out crisp on the outside and moist and flavorful inside, showcasing Mediterranean herb and cheese contrasts.
This pie works well as a light main course served warm or at room temperature, or as a side dish alongside meats or salads. It is often served cut into squares or triangles and enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
For phyllo dough:
- 550 g all-purpose flour
- 220 ml water lukewarm
- 15 g white wine vinegar
- 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 10 g salt
- corn starch for brushing over the dough
For filling:
- 1 kg spinach washed, coarsely chopped
- 500 g feta cheese crumbled
- 1 spring onion finely chopped, bunch
- 1 dill finely chopped, bunch
- ¼ mint finely chopped, bunch
- salt
- black pepper
- extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat fan oven to 190 °C ( 375 °F).
For the phyllo dough:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, vinegar, water and olive oil. Knead with your hands, until you create a soft, manageable dough. Transfer to a work surface and knead until you create a soft, smooth dough.
- Cut the dough into 7 equal pieces and shape each one into round balls. Dust a baking pan with corn starch and add the balls of dough, making sure they do not touch one another. Cover the pan with cellophane wrap or a damp towel. Set aside to rest for about ½ hour.
For the filling:
- Place a pan over a medium heat and allow to get very hot. Add some olive oil, the spinach, spring onions. Mix with a wooden spoon and sauté, until the greens wilt.
- Transfer to a bowl and add the feta cheese, dill and mint. Season with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Pour the filling into a colander with a bowl underneath to drain the liquids and let it cool.
- Dust a clean working surface with some corn starch and fill a bowl with some corn starch. Take one of the balls of dough and dip it into the bowl with the corn starch and spread it out a little with your hands. Place it on the work surface. Use a long rolling pin to roll out the dough. Begin from the outer border and roll inwards towards the center.
- Turn the dough clockwise, and repeat the same process continuously, until you have created a very thin phyllo dough that is 35 cm (14 inches) in diameter. Repeat the same process for the remaining balls of dough.
- Brush a 30 cm (12 inches) round baking pan with some olive oil. Add 3 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each one with olive oil.
- Add 1/3 of the filling and spread evenly over the phyllo dough. Cover with 1 sheet of phyllo and brush with olive oil. Add another 1/3 of the filling over it.
- Cover with 1 sheet of phyllo and brush with olive oil. Add the remaining filling, spread evenly and add 2 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each one with olive oil.
- Fold the overhanging edges inward to create a border and lightly score the surface with a straight edged knife and brush with olive oil.
- Bake the spinach and cheese pie for 1 hour, until it is golden and the phyllo is crunchy. Serve hot.
Notes
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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