Spinach Pie (Olive Oil)(Spanakopita)
A savory Greek spinach pie with flaky pastry, feta cheese, and a rich egg filling, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delicious blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean and wash the spinach; allow it to drain.
- Chop the spinach in a large mixing bowl.
- Brown the scallions (onions) in olive oil.
- Beat the eggs; add them to the spinach mixture.
- Break the feta cheese into small pieces and mix with the spinach.
- Add the browned scallions to the mixture; season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Melt the butter and mix it with the olive oil.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan; place 6 pastry sheets into the pan, brushing each with the butter-oil mixture.
- Spread the spinach mixture over the pastry sheets.
- Cover with 6 more individually greased pastry sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can use less feta cheese or substitute with ricotta. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent a soggy pie. If you want to add more flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Feel free to explore Mediterranean recipes for additional ideas to enhance this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach pie warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as a Greek salad, for a refreshing balance. You can also enjoy it as part of a larger spread of Mediterranean recipes, making it a great addition to brunch or a light dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spinach pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual pieces in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave, but the crust may lose its crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Pie (Olive Oil)(Spanakopita) contains roughly 396 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% 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 use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before mixing it into the filling. This helps to maintain the texture and prevents excess moisture in the pie.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can enhance it by adding roasted vegetables or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to accommodate any added ingredients for a more robust flavor.
What can I serve with spinach pie?
Spinach pie pairs well with a variety of sides such as tzatziki sauce, a fresh cucumber salad, or even a light soup like Carrot Orange Soup. These options complement the flavors of the pie and create a well-rounded meal.
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).