I'm sharing my family's favorite spanakopita recipe, complete with tips, video, and step-by-step photos. Skip the nasty combination of dill and mint. Spinach, feta, dill, and lemon are the stars of this quick and easy recipe, with eggs stirred into the sauce like a carbonara. Oh ya I also add a teaspoon Italian herbs. Even though it offers particularly flavorful results, I like my spinach pie lighter and easier to digest. Instructions. Nagi, Wow! Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush with olive oil, and repeat this process with two more sheets of phyllo. This traditional spanakopita is loaded with spinach and feta cheese, and it makes for the perfect appetizer. I buy a block of feta cheese and crumble it instead of using a tub of pre-crumbled cheese. I always order spanakopita when I go out to eat, its one of my all time favorite dishes. I served it with the Italian mega salad. Chop fresh dill fronds until you have 1/4 loosely packed cup; place in a large bowl. To the spinach and feta, we add flavor makers in the form of fresh herbs and aromatics. Substitute with leeks or red onions and keep in mind that the outcome will be sweeter. Add a few more drops of water until the dough looks like an elastic ball. Stir everything in and cook the mixturefor 2 minutes. How to Store and Reheat it. But I digress. Repeat until you have the thinner round sheet possible. If you've never tried rich, cheesy, and utterly decadent spanakopita, you need to remedy that ASAP and we've got just the recipe for you! Bake one pan at a time for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Updated on February 16, 2023. Christina arrived on. But it really is so much more satisfying when all those layers of filo pastry actually stay ON the Spana, leaving the perfect eating experience intact! Thyme. To Assemble the Pie: Unroll thawed phyllo and keep it covered with a moist kitchen towel while working. Spring onions (scallions). Moreover, I took home a 3rd place ribbon for it that year. Brush a 9-inch glass pie plate (either deep-dish or standard size will work with this recipe) generously with olive oil and set on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Remove the thawed spinach from the package and put in a colander in the sink. Rinse, drain and then gently squeeze out the excess water. In this recipe, the spanakopita, rather than being formed into squares or circles, is instead folded into little two-bite triangle shapes. This recipe is brilliant. It was less expensive than a giro or souvlaki but just as satisfying, despite the lack of meat. Store the trays of appetizers loosely covered in the fridge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for this recipe! Voila! The phyllo tends to dry out and becomes harder to use if you dont cover it and keep it moist. Luckily, she allowed me a taste; it was heavenly! When you are ready, go ahead and bake according to recipe instructions. And oh my word the smell that wafts out from the filling when you cut it open is 100% incredible! More importantly, the food was healthy and delicious. Phyllo varies by manufacturer. For the Spinach and Feta Filling. 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped. I look forward to trying more of your recipes. Store leftover spanakopita in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the phyllo covered with plastic wrap or a damp towel when you're not working with it. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice into the bowl. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Thanks. How Often Can You Use a Towel Before It Needs to Be Washed? Any thicker, and theres too much filling. It was a wonderful discovery at my New Years Eve (Take 2) party I held a couple of weeks ago that Spanakopita can be assembled earlier in the day and baked in the evening, and youd be none the wiser. Its imperative that you squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the cooked spinach so that your filling isnt watery. Using a dough hook attachment, mix to combine the ingredients for 10-15 seconds. Dampen a kitchen towel and lay it on top of the unused phyllo. Sauting the spinach is the last method to extract water from it. Budget 1 hour for baking. Add two more sheets in the same manner, and brush them with olive oil. I love making it for my Los Angeles personal chef clients. The longer kefalotyri is aged, the stronger its flavor becomes. The pie is a savory mix of spinach, feta, and herbs ensconced in flaky layers of phyllo. Make a few spanakopitas at a time and freeze them to easily bake off at a later time. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. This is the best recipe! Full of flavour and a winner in our household. Besides the dill, you could also enjoy these quesadillas with some mint, oregano, or marjoram. Take the phyllo dough out of the package and unroll it onto a flat surface. Add to the greens/onion/herb mixture and stir to combine. If you do use fresh spinach, you will need to cook it with the onions and garlic, drain, and let cool completely before mixing the filling. Mediterranean hartwort. Add the both the cheeses, black pepper, and eggs. But the biggest compliment? This makes a Spanakopita pie which is 3.5 4cm / 1.4 1.6 thick which I think is the perfect thickness for a good filling to pastry ratio. By far the best spanakopita Ive ever had let alone made myself. It won't lose nearly as much flavor or texture this way, as the dish won't be cooked twice. You'll need two to three times the amount listed here. In Greece, cooks use a nice salty hard salty sheeps/goats-milk cheese called Kefalotiri. Christina exceeded all of our expectations! In 1/4 cup olive oil, saut chopped scallions and garlic on low heat until soft, careful not to burn. We do not cook the spinach the filling flavour is better made with raw rather than cooked spinach. with fairy fingers. But one thing critical to omit from this recipe imho is garlic!! Layer the sheets of phyllo and brush them with butter, then cut the phyllo dough into strips. You can also portion cooked leftover spanakopita and freeze for a later time. Please let me know if you have any questions about the recipe. 2. Then squeeze out all moisture using a colander. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. The pic below is of grilled octopus with nectarines and arugula. Is there any way to put meat in this? Cut into squares and serve while it's still hot. For me, the perfect spanakopita involves wilted spinach, woven with a variety of cheese. Golden, crispy phyllo pastry, encasing the soft spinach filling is really what spanakopita is all about! Fresh fennel fronds (for fresh dill only) The next best substitute for fresh dill? Add greens in batches, stirring until they become wilted. For both fresh and frozen spinach, drain spinach in a strainer (preferably over the sink) to get out most of liquid. Chard. Hi, Bren. The amount of water depends on the flour, room temperature, and humidity. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. 2 garlic cloves, minced. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, eggs, feta cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Or a mix of both spinach and silverbeet. Mix everything together to make the filling for your pastry triangles. Instructions. Greek yogurt Or other unsweetened plain yogurt. Leave to cool slightly before serving. RINSE WELL, drain and then gently squeeze out the excess water. Otherwise, the heat will spoil your phyllo and it would be such a shame. I used a 9-oz. This is used between the filo sheet layers that form the the top of the Spanakopita so they stick together rather than flying everywhere when you cut neat trick! Get fresh recipes, cooking tips, deal alerts, and more! Private Parties and Events in Los Angeles, Linguini with Butternut Squash and Hazelnut Sauce, Thermomix Recipe, Weekend Approved Vegetable Frittata Recipe, 3 bunches scallions (about 6 oz), chopped, 3/4-lb (12 oz.) Web1. So glad everyone enjoyed the spanakopita! Add the trahanas (or your substitute of choice) and egg and thoroughly combine. Add onions and scallions and saute until softened, about 10 minutes. Soften the onions in a skillet with a little oil. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven until heated through. This easy Spanakopita Pasta recipe (Spanakopasta!) Soften the onions in a skillet with a little oil. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush with olive oil. Use as a 1 to 1 substitute. Repeat until two-thirds of the phyllo (fillo) is used up. 3. Its less messy to do it when you take them out to cook! Garlic Because rarely will you see a Greek dish without garlic (usually much more than just one clove! Thank you for your fab recipes! Remove the spinach from the pan and let it cool. Sure, wed scramble and salvage every little pastry shard we could find off the tray / table / plate. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Substitutes for kefalotiri cheese are hard cheeses such as Romano or Parmesan, both of which have a similar sharp flavor and dry texture. Mediterranean hartwort. Set it aside to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour. By the way, I love all your recipes. Place a small scoop of filling at the end of each pastry strip, then fold them up into triangular pockets. was flexible with her menu, accommodated a couple guests with special dietary needs, had flawless execution through each course, served everything on time with great presentation and most importantly, did everything with a smile and was a pleasure to have in our home! The perfume of fresh dill and mint, the fresh spinach, the cheesy goodness of the feta, the subtle notes of nutmeg and garlic it sends everyone within nose-shot into a salivating stupor! If you prefer to keep things traditional, this recipe works with all fresh spinach as well. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Bringing it to room temperature makes it more pliable and therefore easier to handle; Keep the phyllo pastry coveredwith a slightly damp tea towel to ensure it doesnt dry out; and. Try it! So when something renders them totally silent at the table? It is perfectly acceptable just to press down and seal the edges flat against the tray! You may use all kinds of baking pans or dishes (square, rectangular). Add the garlic and dill and cook until the onions are caramelized. You can substitute frozen spinach if you prefer, just use 2 10-ounce boxes. If you're a feta lover feel free to increase the amount in this recipe. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 8 ounces feta cheese crumbled 1 egg lightly beaten salt and pepper to taste 1 pound phyllo dough sheets thawed 3/4 cup butter melted Instructions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper. Just make sure to get the larger phyllo sheets (which are the most common) and not the 9 x 13 size (Athens/Apollo brand normally makes those). Im developing some recipes for Kotopita and Kreatopita that Ill post soon! Add the rest of the filling ingredients to the pan, Stir to combine to make sure the spinach is Tag me on Instagram at. The butter not only adds flavour, it also causes each base layer to separate so you get the signature flakiness; Repeat After brushing with butter, top with another sheet of filo pastry and continue repeating until you have used 8 sheets in total; Filling Spread the filling in the middle of the pastry base, leaving a 2.5cm/1 border. 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