Spanakopita, a traditional Greek dish, is enjoyed worldwide for its delicious combination of spinach, feta cheese, and buttery flaky phyllo pastry. This savory pie is a popular meal choice for those looking for a simple and satisfying dinner. Easy to make and full of flavor, spanakopita is a must-try dish for anyone who loves Greek cuisine.
Ingredients for Spanakopita
The ingredients for spanakopita are simple and include fresh spinach, feta cheese, eggs, scallions, fresh dill, olive oil, and phyllo pastry. All of these ingredients can be easily found at your favorite grocery store or farmer’s market. Phyllo pastry, also known as filo or phyllo dough, is a thin, flaky pastry that is commonly used in Greek and Middle Eastern cooking.
Preparing the Spanakopita Filling
To make the spanakopita filling, start by washing and draining the fresh spinach. Chop the spinach into small pieces and set it aside. Chop the scallions and dill and crumble the feta cheese. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they are well combined. Add the spinach, scallions, dill, and feta cheese to the bowl and mix well.
Assembling the Spanakopita
To assemble the spanakopita, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry in the bottom of the dish, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush the phyllo sheet with olive oil and lay another sheet on top. Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo sheets until all of the sheets are in the dish.
Pour the spinach mixture over the phyllo pastry and spread it out evenly. Fold the overhanging edges of the phyllo pastry over the spinach filling to seal in the ingredients. Brush the top of the spanakopita with olive oil and sprinkle it with sesame seeds if desired.
Baking and Serving the Spanakopita
Bake the spanakopita in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and the filling is set. Let the spanakopita cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve the spanakopita hot or cold, depending on your preference.
Variations of Spanakopita
While the basic ingredients of spanakopita usually include spinach, feta cheese, and phyllo pastry, there are many variations of this classic dish. They can be made with different vegetables, such as leeks, onions, and zucchini, and different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mozzarella. Some recipes also call for additions such as pine nuts or sun-dried tomatoes.
Tips for Making Spanakopita
To keep the phyllo pastry from drying out, cover it with a damp cloth while you are assembling the spanakopita. You can also prepare the spanakopita in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead.
Conclusion
Spanakopita is a delicious and versatile Greek dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its buttery flaky phyllo pastry and fragrant savory filling, spanakopita is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try this classic Greek recipe today and enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean.
