Ingredients

6 cups fresh spinach , chopped ( or 10oz . frozen spinach )
1 1 cup gruyere cheese ( or shredded ) or 1 cup cheddar cheese , crumbled ( or shredded )
1 cup cottage cheese
3 eggs , beaten
1 onion , minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped ( or 2 tsp . dried parsley )
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 dash ground nutmeg ( optional )
1/2 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter
12 phyllo pastry sheets , thawed ( about one 8-oz . pkg . of frozen phyllo dough )
Spanokopita, also known as Greek spinach pie, is a savory pastry filled with spinach and cheese. It is a popular dish in Greece and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. This recipe uses phyllo pastry to create a crispy crust, and a mixture of cheese, eggs, and spinach for a delicious filling. Spanokopita is a healthy option for a quick meal, and can be easily packed for lunch or enjoyed as a dinner with a side salad.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.Squeeze all moisture from spinach and set aside.
3.In a large bowl, combine gruyere cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, onion, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, and nutmeg, mixing well.
4.Melt margarine or butter.
5.Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with some of the margarine or butter.
6.Place 1 sheet of phyllo pastry in prepared pan and brush with butter.
7.Repeat until you have used 6 sheets.
8.Sprinkle half of the spinach over the pastry in the baking dish.
9.Add 6 more phyllo pastry sheets, brushing each with butter.
10.Add the remaining spinach and top with the last 6 phyllo pastry sheets, again brushing each with butter.
11.Score the pastry into 12 diamonds.
12.Bake for 35-40 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
13.Allow to cool slightly before serving.

PROS

Spanokopita is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.
It is packed with nutrients from spinach, cheese, and eggs.

It’s also vegetarian and can be made with gluten-free phyllo pastry.

CONS

Phyllo pastry can be difficult to work with and may tear easily.
It can also be high in calories and fat if too much butter is used in the recipe.

If using frozen spinach, it must be thawed and all the moisture squeezed out to prevent a soggy pie.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Spanokopita is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, vitamins A and K, and folate.
Spinach is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, while cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium.
The eggs in this recipe provide more protein and healthy fats.

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