Delicious Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a classic Greek dish made with layers of flaky filo pastry and a savory filling of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. It’s a delicious and comforting dish, perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. This recipe gives you all the tips and steps to create a homemade Spanakopita with a crispy golden crust and a flavorful spinach filling.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 pounds fresh spinach (or 1 pound frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional, but gives a fresh, herby flavor)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups feta cheese, crumbled (use a good-quality feta for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Phyllo Pastry:

• 1 package of phyllo dough (usually comes with 20-25 sheets, thawed if frozen)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (optional, for brushing between layers)

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Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• 9×13-inch baking dish (or a similarly sized dish)
• Pastry brush
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoons for mixing and filling
• Oven

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Method

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling

1. Cook the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it into smaller pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
2. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet (in batches if necessary) and stir until wilted. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once wilted, remove the spinach from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess liquid before adding it to the skillet.
3. Drain and Squeeze: Place the cooked spinach in a fine mesh strainer or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any remaining liquid. It’s important to get rid of the excess moisture so the filling doesn’t become too soggy.
4. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, sautéed onion and garlic, nutmeg, dill, parsley, and feta cheese. Add the ricotta cheese (if using) and beaten eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the filling is well combined and the eggs are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Assemble the Spanakopita

1. Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Unroll the phyllo dough and place it on a clean surface. Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, so cover it with a damp kitchen towel to keep it from getting brittle as you work with it.
2. Brush the Baking Dish: Lightly brush the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter or olive oil.
3. Layer the Phyllo Dough: Start by layering 4-5 sheets of phyllo dough in the dish, brushing each sheet lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Be gentle with the sheets, as phyllo is very delicate and will easily tear. Allow the edges of the phyllo to hang over the sides of the dish.
4. Add the Spinach Filling: Once you’ve layered the first few sheets, spoon the spinach and cheese filling into the dish and spread it out evenly. Press the filling down gently with the back of the spoon.
5. Add More Phyllo Layers: Continue layering another 4-5 sheets of phyllo dough over the spinach mixture, brushing each sheet with butter or oil. Once you’ve covered the filling, fold the overhanging edges of the phyllo dough over the top of the filling to create a neat edge.
6. Top Layer: Add a final layer of 4-5 sheets of phyllo on top of the pie, brushing each sheet as before. Tuck in any excess phyllo along the edges.

Step 3: Bake the Spanakopita

1. Score the Phyllo: Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of phyllo dough into squares or diamond shapes. This will help the phyllo layers bake evenly and make it easier to cut once baked.
2. Bake the Spanakopita: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking to make sure the top doesn’t burn.
3. Let It Cool: Once the Spanakopita is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to cut.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cut and Serve: Slice the Spanakopita into squares or wedges and serve it warm. It can be enjoyed on its own, with a fresh salad, or as part of a larger Mediterranean meal.

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Notes and Tips

• Phyllo Dough: Phyllo dough can be a bit tricky to work with because it’s very thin and can dry out quickly. Be sure to cover the dough with a damp towel as you work, and be gentle when layering the sheets.
• Frozen Spinach: If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it well before using it in the filling. Squeezing out as much moisture as possible ensures the filling won’t be too watery.
• Make Ahead: Spanakopita can be made ahead of time! Assemble the pie, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked Spanakopita for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Substitute for Feta: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese for a milder filling. However, feta does add the signature tanginess and flavor that makes Spanakopita so special.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add herbs like oregano or basil to the filling, or even some lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor.
• Serve with Tzatziki: Spanakopita is often served with tzatziki sauce on the side. The creamy yogurt, cucumber, and garlic-based sauce complements the rich, savory flavors of the spinach pie.

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Conclusion

This Delicious Spanakopita recipe brings the classic flavors of Greek cuisine into your kitchen with its flaky pastry and flavorful spinach-feta filling. Whether you’re preparing it for a party, a family dinner, or as a special treat, Spanakopita is sure to impress with its rich flavors and crispy texture. Enjoy every bite of this comforting Mediterranean dish!