Spanakopita (spinach, feta, phyllo)

spanakopita_(spinach,_feta,_phyllo)

Greek cuisine is known around the world for its delicious and healthy food. One of the most popular and traditional Greek dishes is Spanakopita, a savory pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Crispy and flaky phyllo dough forms a perfect crust, which is layered with the filling mixture of spinach and cheese. The dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, and can be enjoyed as a meal or as a snack.

The origins of Spanakopita can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was believed that spinach had medicinal properties and was used to cure many illnesses. The dish was traditionally served during religious celebrations and special occasions, and has now become a staple in Greek cuisine. The term “Spanakopita” comes from the Greek words “spanaki” meaning “spinach”, and “pita” meaning “pie”.

The filling of the pie consists of chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, eggs, and a blend of herbs and spices. The spinach is sautéed until it is tender and then mixed with the cheese, eggs, and the herbs, which might include dill, parsley, and scallions. It is important that the mixture is well seasoned to ensure that the flavors are well balanced.

The pastry for Spanakopita is made from phyllo dough, a paper-thin dough made from flour, water, and oil. The dough is layered with melted butter, and then rolled out into sheets, which are then filled with the spinach and cheese mixture. The phyllo dough is easy to work with, and when baked it forms a golden brown, flaky crust that is both delicate and crisp.

Spanakopita is a nutritious dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals. The spinach is an excellent source of iron, while the feta cheese provides protein, calcium, and healthy fats. The combination of the spinach and feta cheese also provides a unique and delicious taste that is a perfect complement to the phyllo dough.

The dish is also very versatile, and can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course. It is often accompanied by a salad or other Greek dishes such as tzatziki, hummus, or dolmades. Spanakopita is also a great dish for vegetarian and gluten-free diets, as long as the phyllo dough is gluten-free.

Despite the pastry’s popularity outside Greece, authentic Spanakopita is made with traditional Greek ingredients, and is a dish that is enjoyed by Greeks and non-Greeks alike. The dish is not just a recipe but is a symbol of Greek cuisine and culture, and is a perfect example of the famous Mediterranean Diet.

In summary, Spanakopita is a savory Greek pastry that conveys the flavors and textures of Greek cuisine. With its crispy, flaky phyllo dough, it provides the perfect base for the spinach and feta cheese filling, which is a perfect blend of fresh herbs, spices, and seasonings. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or a side dish, Spanakopita is definitely a dish that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound spinach
  • 1/2 pound feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 pound phyllo dough
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Wash spinach and chop coarsely.

  3. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until the onion is soft and translucent.

  4. Add spinach to the pan with onion and garlic.

  5. Cook until the spinach is wilted down and most of the liquid has been cooked off.

  6. Remove pan from heat and let the mixture cool.

  7. In a bowl, mix together the spinach mixture, feta cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

  8. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.

  9. Mix the eggs into the spinach mixture.

  10. On a clean surface, lay out a sheet of phyllo dough. Brush it with melted butter.

  11. Layer another sheet on top, and again, brush it with butter.

  12. Cut the dough in half lengthwise.

  13. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of the spinach mixture at one end of the dough.

  14. Fold the dough over the mixture, creating a triangle.

  15. Continue folding the triangle along the length of the dough until you reach the end.

  16. Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo dough and spinach mixture until it is all used up.

  17. Brush the top of each triangle with the remaining melted butter.

  18. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown.

  19. Serve hot and enjoy your Greek Spanakopita!