Recipe: Cook this tempting vegan spanakopita at home
Spanakopita, a beloved Greek dish, traditionally combines phyllo pastry, spinach, and feta cheese. We're offering a vegan version that excludes dairy to suit plant-based preferences. This savory pastry is deeply rooted in Mediterranean traditions and is a staple at festive gatherings or as a substantial snack. Eager to savor Greek cuisine with a vegan twist? Let's start cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this dish, you will need two cups of fresh spinach, one cup of chopped onions, two cloves of garlic minced, one tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of dried dill, half a cup of crumbled tofu (as a feta substitute), salt and pepper to taste, 10 sheets of vegan phyllo dough (thawed), and three tablespoons of melted coconut oil for brushing.
Prepare the filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large pan over medium heat, saute onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts down. Stir in dried dill, crumbled tofu, salt, and pepper. Cook for another five minutes until all ingredients are well combined and any excess liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool.
Assemble the spanakopita
Begin by placing a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface, brushing it gently with melted coconut oil. Add another sheet on top, applying oil between each layer, until five sheets are stacked. Now, cut this phyllo stack into six equal squares. Proceed to spoon an even amount of the spinach and tofu filling onto the center of each square, ready for folding.
Fold and bake
Fold each phyllo square diagonally to form a triangle, enclosing the spinach and tofu filling. Seal the edges by pressing them with your fingers or crimping with a fork for a decorative effect. Brush the tops with melted coconut oil to ensure crispiness. This careful folding and sealing process is key to creating perfect vegan spanakopita triangles that are golden and flaky once baked.
Final touches
Place triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don't touch each other. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top. Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish accompanied by your favorite vegan dipping sauce or simply enjoy them as they are!
