Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion , finely chopped
1 carrot , small and finely diced
1 celery rib , thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves , finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon , ground
5 tablespoons coriander , chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts , toasted
1/4 raisins
600 g mincemeat , beef
1 cup spinach leaves , about 2 handfuls
1 cup tomatoes , canned and chopped
16 sheets phyllo pastry
200 ml yoghurt , plain and unsweetened
handful mint
These beef and spinach filo pies are a hearty and savory meal, perfect for a cold winter's night. The combination of cinnamon, coriander and pine nuts in the filling gives it a Moroccan-inspired flair, while the flaky phyllo pastry creates a light and crispy texture. Spinach not only adds color to the dish, but also a nutritional punch of fiber, vitamins and minerals. This recipe yields 6 individual pies, making them great for portion control and easy reheating the next day. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal that is sure to satisfy.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
3.Add the onion, carrot and celery, and cook until the vegetables soften, about 10 minutes.
4.Add the garlic, cinnamon and coriander, and cook for another minute.
5.Add the pine nuts, raisins and beef mince, and cook until the mince is browned, about 8 minutes.
6.Add the canned tomatoes and spinach leaves, and cook for another 5 minutes.
7.Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8.Let the mixture cool slightly.
9.Brush a sheet of phyllo pastry with olive oil and place another sheet on top of it. Brush the second sheet with oil.
10.Cut the sheets into 6 squares.
11.Place a spoonful of the beef and spinach mixture on each square.
12.Fold the square in half and seal the edges by pressing down with a fork.
13.Repeat with the remaining sheets of phyllo pastry and filling.
14.Place the pies on a baking tray and brush them all with a little extra olive oil.
15.Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

PROS

These individual pies are perfect for portion control and make a great lunch or dinner with a side salad.

The phyllo pastry adds a crisp and flaky texture to the dish.

Beef is a good source of protein and iron, while spinach is high in fiber and vitamins.

CONS

The use of phyllo pastry can make the dish higher in calories and fat compared to other pastry-free options.

As with most meat dishes, the beef mince should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, particularly iron and folate.
The use of spinach also provides antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
However, the dish is high in calories and fat due to the use of phyllo pastry and beef mince, so should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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