If you're in the mood for a culinary adventure that transports your taste buds straight to Greece, look no further than this Super Easy Spinach Pie! Bursting with vibrant flavors and creamy textures, this dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that will leave your friends and family begging for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 40 minutes of your time, you can whip up a savory pie that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it's a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. Dive into this recipe and discover how simple it is to create a flaky, golden masterpiece that’s as delightful to eat as it is to behold!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 eggs
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the spinach pie will bake evenly and become golden brown.
- Thaw the package of frozen spinach by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or using the microwave. Once thawed, drain any excess moisture by pressing the spinach in a colander or wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and squeezing out the water. This step is crucial to prevent a soggy pie.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and eggs. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that feta cheese is already salty, so adjust accordingly.
- Unroll the package of phyllo dough and cover it with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. Phyllo dough can dry quickly, so it's important to keep it moist as you work.
- Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and brush the bottom and sides with olive oil using a pastry brush. This will help the phyllo dough crisp up and prevent sticking.
- Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Brush the top of the phyllo sheet with olive oil. Repeat this process, layering 5-6 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with olive oil. This will create a flaky and crispy base for your pie.
- Once you have layered enough phyllo sheets, pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly across the base.
- Cover the filling with additional layers of phyllo dough, repeating the brushing process with olive oil. Use about 5-6 sheets for the top as well. Fold the overhanging edges of the phyllo dough over the top to seal in the filling.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top of the pie into squares or diamond shapes. This will help the pie to bake evenly and make it easier to cut after baking.
- Brush the top of the pie with a little more olive oil for an extra golden finish. Optional: sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and crunch.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the spinach pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy this delicious Greek dish!
Tips
- Thawing the Spinach: For best results, plan ahead and thaw your frozen spinach overnight in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too—just ensure you drain it thoroughly to avoid a soggy pie.
- Layering Phyllo Dough: Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp kitchen towel while you work to prevent it from drying out. This is key to achieving that crispy, flaky texture we all love.
- Seasoning: Since feta cheese is naturally salty, taste your filling before adding extra salt. You want a well-balanced flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- Scoring the Pie: Don’t skip the scoring step! It helps the pie bake evenly and makes it easier to slice once it’s out of the oven.
- Golden Finish: For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, brush the top of your pie with olive oil before baking and consider sprinkling sesame seeds on top for added crunch.
- Serving: This spinach pie is delicious warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any gathering. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 377kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 122mg
