Spanikopita –Today, I want to share with you a delightful recipe that captures the essence of Greek cuisine—Greek Spanakopita. This savory pie, filled with spinach and feta cheese, is perfect as an appetizer or a light main dish. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking instructions to create this mouthwatering dish!
Image of Greek Spanakopita
Here’s a beautiful image of Spanakopita that will surely get your taste buds tingling:
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Greek Spanakopita, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package phyllo pastry (about 20 sheets)
- 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil for brushing
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a flavorful Spanakopita:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with the feta cheese, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a clean surface, lay out one sheet of phyllo pastry and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and repeat the brushing.
- Once you have about 4 layers of brushed phyllo, place a generous amount of the spinach and cheese filling along one edge of the pastry.
- Fold the sides over to encase the filling, then roll the pastry up tightly to form a log. Place the log seam-side down onto a greased baking sheet.
- Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo pastry and filling, placing each finished roll on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with more melted butter and score the tops with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, allow the Spanakopita to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
This Greek Spanakopita recipe is not just delicious; it’s also a wonderful way to enjoy some nutritious greens! Perfect for gatherings, it’s bound to impress your friends and family. Enjoy this delightful dish, and don’t forget to share your experience!