Classic Greek spanakopita recipe: Easy steps to deliciousness
What's the story
Spanakopita, a classic Greek pie, is known for its flaky pastry and spinach filling. This traditional dish from Greece is a Mediterranean staple, typically featuring feta cheese. We present an eggless variant to cater to vegetarians. Our spanakopita, with its crispy layers and hearty filling, serves as a perfect appetizer or main dish. Let's get cooking.
Ingredients list
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, gather two cups of fresh spinach, a cup of feta cheese substitute, one-fourth cup of chopped onions, and two minced garlic cloves. You'll also need a tablespoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of dried dill, half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Prepare 10 sheets of phyllo dough and melted butter substitute for brushing.
Step 1
Prepare the filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil followed by onions and garlic. Saute until translucent. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down significantly; this should take about three to four minutes. Stir in the dill, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Step 2
Assemble the spanakopita
Place a sheet of phyllo dough on a flat surface and gently brush it with a melted butter substitute. Carefully place another sheet on top, repeating the process until you have a stack of five layers. Evenly distribute half of the spinach mixture along one side of the layered phyllo, ensuring to leave a small margin at the edges to prevent spillage.
Step 2
Create twists
Roll the phyllo dough sheet with the filling to form a log. Cut this into two-inch pieces. Next, take each piece and give it a gentle twist to create the spanakopita's signature shape. Arrange these twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ready for baking. This method ensures each spanakopita twist will bake evenly and obtain a perfect golden hue.
Step 3
Bake to perfection
Brush each twist with a light coating of melted butter substitute, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown color and crisp texture. After baking, remove them from the oven and let them stand briefly to cool. These twists are most enjoyable when served warm, offering a flaky pastry experience with a savory vegetarian filling.