Spanakopita Recipe: A Delicious Greek Spinach and Feta Pastry

Spanakopita Recipe

Spanakopita is a beloved Greek pastry dish that combines the freshness of spinach with the tanginess of feta cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy and flaky phyllo crust. This traditional recipe is a staple in Greek cuisine and is often served as an appetizer or side dish. In this article, we'll guide you through the simple steps to make an authentic Spanakopita at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
• 1/4 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, feta, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it into four equal pieces.
4. Place one piece of the dough on a flat surface and brush it with some of the beaten egg.
5. Spoon a quarter of the spinach mixture onto the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Fold the 1-inch border over the filling to create a seal, then roll the dough into a neat triangle or square shape.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
8. Place the Spanakopita triangles or squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each pastry.
9. Brush the tops of the pastries with the remaining egg and cut a small slit in the top of each one to allow steam to escape.
10. Bake the Spanakopita for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

Tips and Variations:

• To make a more crispy pastry, you can brush the tops with some water and sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking.
• You can also add some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the spinach mixture for extra flavor.
• For a vegan version, replace the feta with a dairy-free alternative and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 10g

Conclusion:

Spanakopita is a delicious and authentic Greek recipe that's perfect for any occasion. With its crispy phyllo crust and flavorful spinach and feta filling, it's sure to impress your friends and family. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and taste the magic of Greek cuisine!