Athena’s Spanakopita (Spinach and Feta Pie)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 2
Athena’s Spanakopita - Delicious Spinach and Feta Pie
in Mediterranean

Prep

20 min

Cook

60 min

Ready In

80 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 bags curly spinach leaves , rinsed
1/4 cup water
3 cups feta cheese , rinsed patted dry and crumbled into fine pieces
3/4 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt or 3/4 cup full fat sour cream
4 medium scallions , sliced thin
2 large eggs , beaten
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves , minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill leaves , minced
3 medium garlic cloves , minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest , grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
7 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
1/2 lb phyllo dough , thawed ( use 14 by 9 inch sheets )
3/4 cup pecorino romano cheese , grated fine
2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
455
Sugar
2g
Fat
33g
Originating from Greece, Spanakopita is a traditional savory pastry that is widely enjoyed throughout the Mediterranean region. It consists of a filling made of spinach and feta cheese, wrapped in layers of phyllo pastry and baked until crispy and golden brown. The result is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines the richness of cheese with the wholesome goodness of spinach. This dish is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, who are looking for a healthier and lighter option that doesn't compromise on flavor. Athena’s Spanakopita is an elevated version of the traditional recipe, packed with nutritious ingredients and a delightful mix of herbs and spices.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (180°C) and grease an 8-inch baking dish.
2.Cook the spinach with water in a covered large saucepan, stirring occasionally until wilted, for 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, allow the spinach to cool and then squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
3.Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, feta, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), scallions, eggs, mint, dill, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, nutmeg, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well, making sure everything is well combined.
4.Take out the thawed phyllo dough from the refrigerator. Carefully unroll it and layer 1 sheet in the greased dish. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat with 6 more sheets, brushing each with butter. Make sure the sheets are placed evenly across the dish’s edges and center, with half of the dough hanging over the sides of the baking dish.
5.Next, spread the spinach and cheese filling on top of the phyllo sheets. Evenly sprinkle the Pecorino Romano cheese on the filling. Top with the remaining phyllo sheets 1 at a time, brushing each sheet with melted butter. Fold any overhanging phyllo towards the center. Brush the top with butter, and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top.
6.Bake until golden brown, for approximately 50-60 minutes. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
7.

PROS

Athena’s Spanakopita is a nutrient-rich, savory dish that is sure to impress your guests.
This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be served hot or cold.
The phyllo dough provides a crispy texture that complements the soft, cheesy filling beautifully.

CONS

Phyllo dough can be challenging to work with, especially if it dries out or tears.
This can lead to a less attractive looking pie.
It also has a relatively high calorie count, so it is recommended to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is high in fiber, protein, and vitamins A and C, which makes it beneficial for overall health. The spinach used in the recipe is an excellent source of iron, which supports red blood cell production and energy levels. Additionally, feta cheese is high in calcium, which is essential for strong bones.

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