Cook this eggless, vegetarian Greek spanakopita in 4 simple steps
Spanakopita is a beloved Greek pie made with phyllo pastry, filled with spinach and feta cheese. Its history stretches back to ancient Greece, where it was a dietary mainstay. This vegetarian version forgoes eggs, broadening its appeal for different diets. With its flaky crust enveloping a hearty filling, spanakopita is perfectly suited for any meal or gathering. Now, let's start the cooking process!
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, you'll need two cups of fresh spinach, one cup of crumbled feta cheese, and one cup of chopped onions. Additionally, prepare two minced cloves of garlic, one-fourth cup of olive oil, and 10 sheets of phyllo dough (thawed). Season with one teaspoon dried dill, half a teaspoon ground nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the spinach filling
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a skillet, warm a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Saute onions and garlic until translucent. Add spinach, cooking until it wilts. Stir in dill, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Once the mixture is well combined, remove from the heat. Let it cool before folding in the crumbled feta cheese.
Assemble the pie
Lightly brush a baking dish with olive oil. Lay down a sheet of phyllo dough onto the dish; brush it with olive oil before adding another layer on top. Repeat this process until you have layered five sheets. Spread the spinach-feta mixture evenly over the dough layers then cover with five more phyllo sheets following the same method as before.
Bake to perfection
Prior to baking, optionally cut the pie into squares or triangles for ease of serving after it's cooked. Place the spanakopita in the oven, preheated to the designated temperature. Bake for around 30 minutes. Watch for the top to become golden brown and the edges to crisp up, signaling your dish is ready to be enjoyed.
Serve warm
Once removed from the oven, allow the spanakopita to cool slightly. This makes it easier to slice into neat portions, especially if you haven't pre-cut the pie. Enjoy this warm, savory dish as an appetizer or a main course, complemented by a fresh salad. It's a simple way to bring the authentic taste of Greek cuisine to your dining table at home.
