Spanakopita (spinach pie)
This Greek-inspired dish is a perfect representation of the Mediterranean diet, which is renowned for its emphasis on whole, nutritious ingredients and bold flavors. The Mediterranean diet has long been celebrated for its health benefits, including reduced risks of heart disease and improved overall well-being, largely due to its reliance on fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins. The spinach and feta cheese provide a boost of protein and calcium, while the puff pastry adds a satisfying crunch and flaky texture. Spinach, a powerhouse of nutrients, brings a vibrant green color and a mild, earthy taste to the pie, while feta cheese adds a tangy and salty punch that perfectly complements the mildness of the spinach. Paneer, with its creamy texture, rounds out the filling, adding a subtle richness that balances the dish. As you take your first bite, the aroma of freshly baked pastry and the tangy flavor of feta cheese transport you to the sun-kissed hills of Greece. Imagine the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on your face, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of the sea, and the rustic charm of Greek villages. The spinach and herbs add a fresh and earthy note, balancing out the richness of the cheese and pastry. This pie is a true celebration of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer, main course, or even a savory dessert, this Spinach Pie is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Its versatility and flavor profile make it an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For breakfast, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. At lunch, it can be accompanied by a crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a light vinaigrette. For dinner, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, which enhance the Mediterranean theme and provide a colorful and nutritious complement to the pie. You can serve it with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying snack. The best part? This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. Even if you're not an experienced cook, you'll find that this Spinach Pie comes together with ease. The puff pastry crust can be made from scratch if you have the time and inclination, but store-bought puff pastry works just as well and saves a significant amount of preparation time. The spinach and feta filling is also highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. You might consider adding a touch of nutmeg for warmth, a pinch of cayenne for heat, or some fresh mint for a cool and refreshing twist. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the simple steps of making this delicious Spinach Pie. With its rich flavors, nutritious ingredients, and flaky crust, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you're preparing it for a family gathering, a casual dinner with friends, or simply as a treat for yourself, the end result will be a dish that delights the senses and nourishes the body. The combination of textures – the crisp, golden pastry, the creamy, savory filling – makes every bite a delightful experience. So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the magic of Greek cuisine! As you bake this Spinach Pie, you'll not only be creating a delicious dish but also connecting with a rich culinary tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. The flavors of Greece, with their emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold, satisfying tastes, will transport you and your guests to a place of warmth, joy, and culinary delight. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and take pride in bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to your table.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 500 grams (17.6 oz) ounces spinach
- 900 grams (31..7 oz) puff pastry
- 2 leeks
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 5 sprigs fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 300 grams (10.6 oz) feta
- 150 grams (5.3 oz) crumbled paneer
salt, pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (355 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Chop leeks, finely mince garlic, and dill.
3. In a large pot with 1 tablespoon of olive oil on high heat, sauté leeks and spinach until the spinach is
fully wilted. Add garlic and cook for another minute, then remove from heat then allow to cool down for
5-10 minutes..
4. To the spinach mixture, add flour, salt, pepper, dill, crumbled paneer, and 1 egg. Mix until well
combined. Gently fold in crumbled feta - avoid overmixing to maintain feta chunks.
5. Grease a baking dish. Add a large layer of the pastry fully covering the bottom and sides. Brush
with the remaining olive oil and add the spinach mixture.
6. Cover with a puff pastry sheet and seal edges. Cut any excess from thee sides.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and milk. Brush this mixture over the puff pastry and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
8. Poke a hole in the centre of the pie.
9. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
10. Let it cool for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Comments
Post a Comment