Guests coming over? Serve Greek spanakopita with vegan feta
Spanakopita, a traditional Greek dish, is a savory pastry that's loved for its flaky crust and rich spinach filling. Originating from Greece, this dish has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, often served at celebrations and family gatherings. Traditionally made with feta cheese, our version swaps in vegan feta to make it accessible to those following a plant-based diet. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need two cups of fresh spinach, one large onion finely chopped, two cloves of garlic minced, one cup of vegan feta cheese crumbled, half a cup of chopped dill, one teaspoon of nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste, 10 sheets of phyllo dough (ensure it's vegan), and half a cup of olive oil for brushing.
Prepare the filling
Begin by sauteing onion and garlic in a pan over medium heat until they are soft and translucent. Add the spinach, cooking until it wilts, about five minutes. After wilting, remove from heat, let it slightly cool, then mix in vegan feta cheese crumbles and chopped dill. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to your taste.
Assemble the spanakopita
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Begin with a phyllo sheet, brush it with olive oil, then add another sheet on top. Repeat until you have five layers. Spread half the spinach mixture along one edge of the phyllo. Roll into a log, then coil into a spiral or leave as is, according to preference.
Bake your creation
Place the spanakopita on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush its top with olive oil for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Watch until it turns golden brown and achieves a crispy texture on top. This step is vital for bringing out the rich flavors and perfect crunch of the pastry.
Serve warm
Allow your spanakopita to cool slightly before slicing or serving whole on a platter, as is traditional in Greece. It pairs well with fresh lemon wedges or on its own as an appetizer or main course. This eggless vegetarian version delivers all the delightful flavors without compromising dietary preferences—ideal for any gathering or as part of an everyday meal.
