Greek Spinach Pie(From Mom'S Friend, Jenny)
A flavorful Greek spinach pie with fresh herbs, feta, and flaky filo crust, complemented by a vibrant tomato, olive, and basil sauce, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. filo dough ⓘ
- 2 pkg. chopped spinach, cooked and drained well ⓘ
- 1 lb. Feta cheese, crumbled ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 2 sticks butter, melted ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine, melted ⓘ
- 6 ripe plum tomatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. black olives, coarsely chopped
- 3 scallions, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 8 fresh basil leaves, slivered ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 lb. spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, olives, scallions, garlic, salt, pepper, and basil.
- Toss gently and add olive oil.
- Stir and let stand, covered, for at least 3 hours to develop flavors.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the prepared sauce.
- Serve immediately or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
When working with filo dough, ensure it doesn't dry out by covering it with a damp towel while you layer. For a twist, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the filling. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can be used, but use half the amount. This dish can also be made with other greens like Swiss chard or kale for variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Greek Spinach Pie warm or at room temperature as a main dish or a savory side. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, such as a Greek salad, or even alongside a light soup. For a delightful meal, serve with Tasty Eggplant for a Mediterranean feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will keep the crust crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Spinach Pie(From Mom'S Friend, Jenny) contains roughly 2758 calories, with 33g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 227g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value), iron (98% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2241mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day in advance. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for Feta cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for Feta cheese, goat cheese or ricotta can work well, though they will change the flavor profile slightly. For a non-dairy option, try using a vegan feta or a blend of firm tofu with nutritional yeast and lemon juice.
Is it possible to freeze the Greek Spinach Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).