Ingredients

2 lbs fresh spinach , washed
1/2 cup fresh dill , finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley , finely chopped
1 garlic clove , finely chopped
4 spring onions , finely chopped
1/2 medium leek , finely chopped
Pam cooking spray
1/2 lb phyllo pastry sheet ( approx . 14 sheets )
sea salt , to taste
fresh ground pepper , to taste
Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish that is typically served as an appetizer or snack. The dish can vary depending on the region, but it usually consists of a spinach and cheese filling wrapped in phyllo dough. This version is cheese-free and packed with fresh herbs and spices, making it a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe. The combination of spinach, dill, parsley, and garlic creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Serve it as a main dish with a salad or as a side dish to your favorite entree.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375ºF/190ºC and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with Pam cooking spray.
2.In a large pot, blanch the spinach for 1 minute until wilted, then rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out excess water and coarsely chop.
3.In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the phyllo pastry sheets.
4.Brush the baking dish with oil and layer 7 phyllo sheets on the bottom, brushing each layer with oil.
5.Spread the spinach mixture over the phyllo layer, then top with the remaining 7 phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with oil.
6.Score the top phyllo layer into serving pieces with a sharp knife. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

PROS

This delicious vegetarian dish is packed with fresh herbs and leafy greens, making it a healthy and nutritious option for lunch or dinner.

Spanakopita is versatile and can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish.

The phyllo dough adds a nice crunch to the soft and creamy spinach filling.

CONS

Phyllo dough may be time-consuming to work with as it is delicate and can dry out quickly if not handled properly.

The dish can be relatively high in calories, depending on the amount of oil used for brushing.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Spinach is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Dill and parsley are both excellent sources of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Garlic has been linked to boosting the immune system and has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.

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