Spanakopita | Greek Spinach Pie Recipe | How to Use Phyllo Pastry Sheets | Cooking With Carolyn

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat, while ricotta is more affordable.

phyllo dough

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pastry dough

💰Cheaper: homemade dough

Whole wheat adds fiber, while homemade can reduce costs.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is heart-healthy, while canola is budget-friendly.

eggs

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: silken tofu

Flaxseed meal is a plant-based binder, while tofu is economical.

Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out all the water using cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.

Prepare all other ingredients: beaten eggs, feta cheese, minced garlic, diced onion, chopped green onions, chopped Italian parsley, and chopped fresh dill.

Sauté one medium-sized diced onion in olive oil until soft.

Add two cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.

Add the thawed spinach to the pan and mix with the onions and garlic until warmed through.

Transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl and ensure there is minimal excess oil.

Add chopped dill, chopped green onions, parsley, and 10 to 12 ounces of feta cheese to the bowl.

Season with about half a teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste, then mix well and taste for seasoning.

Prepare the phyllo pastry by dampening paper towels and laying them flat on a cutting board.

Unravel the phyllo sheets and cover them with damp paper towels to prevent drying out.

Brush the bottom and edges of a 9x13 inch pan with olive oil and butter mixture.

Layer 10 to 12 sheets of phyllo in the pan, brushing each sheet with olive oil and butter as you go.

Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the phyllo layers in the pan.

Fold the phyllo over the spinach mixture to close it up, then layer more phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with olive oil and butter.

Pre-cut the spanakopita into dinner-sized portions, making cuts all the way through the layers.

Bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens