Greek Spanakopita

This traditional Greek Spanakopita is a crowd-pleasing vegetarian delight featuring a rich, savory filling of fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. The magic lies in the delicate, paper-thin layers of filo dough brushed generously with melted butter, creating a shatteringly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the moist, creamy interior. Perfectly seasoned with oregano, onion, and garlic, this dish offers a balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and elegant. It serves as an excellent main course for a light lunch or a sophisticated appetizer for dinner parties and potlucks.

Cooking Method: Baking, Steaming

Cuisine: Greek

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 12

Calories: 338

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This traditional Greek Spanakopita is a crowd-pleasing vegetarian delight featuring a rich, savory filling of fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. The magic lies in the delicate, paper-thin layers of filo dough brushed generously with melted butter, creating a shatteringly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the moist, creamy interior. Perfectly seasoned with oregano, onion, and garlic, this dish offers a balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and elegant. It serves as an excellent main course for a light lunch or a sophisticated appetizer for dinner parties and potlucks.

Directions

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and tear leaves into small pieces.
3
Place spinach in a large bowl, sprinkle generously with salt, and massage the leaves to release moisture.
4
Rinse the spinach thoroughly to remove excess salt and squeeze out all liquid using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
5
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6
Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
7
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs.
8
Add the drained spinach, crumbled feta cheese, sautéed onion and garlic, oregano, and pepper to the beaten eggs.
9
Mix well to combine all filling ingredients.
10
Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish or similar oblong pan.
11
Unroll the filo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
12
Place one sheet of filo dough in the bottom of the baking dish and brush lightly with melted butter.
13
Repeat with remaining sheets, brushing each with butter, until only 3 or 4 sheets are left, allowing edges to hang over the sides of the pan.
14
Pour the spinach and feta filling into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
15
Fold the overhanging filo edges over the filling.
16
Layer the remaining 3-4 sheets of filo dough on top, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter.
17
Using a sharp knife, cut 3 or 4 steam vent slits in the top layer down to the filling.
18
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
19
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 338kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22.5g35%
Saturated Fat 10.8g54%
Cholesterol 362mg121%
Sodium 921mg39%
Total Carbohydrate 11.5g4%
Dietary Fiber 5.0g20%
Sugars 4.2g
Protein 25.9g52%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/greek-spanakopita/