Classic Greek spanakopita recipe: Easy steps to deliciousness
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
