Tirpetakia(A.K.A. "Three Feet" Or Triangles)
Triangular pastries filled with a savory mixture of cottage cheese, spinach, and feta, seasoned with lemon and nutmeg, perfect as appetizers or light snacks for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the spinach and mix it with the cottage cheese and feta cheese.
- Add the egg, grated lemon peel, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture and combine well.
- Place a sheet of phyllo dough on a cutting board and brush it with melted butter.
- Cut the sheet into strips 3 inches wide.
- Place 1 tablespoon of filling at the bottom of each strip and roll up to form a triangle, folding one side over the filling until the strip is fully rolled.
- Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter filling, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. If you prefer a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. When working with phyllo dough, keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. You can also experiment with herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor, inspired by Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious Tirpetakia as an appetizer or snack alongside a refreshing Feta Spinach And Fruit Salad With Honey-Lemon Dressing for a delightful meal. They also pair well with tzatziki sauce for dipping. Consider serving them with a side of Mediterranean recipes like Barbari Bread for a complete spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Tirpetakia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the phyllo dough soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tirpetakia(A.K.A. "Three Feet" Or Triangles) contains roughly 298 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 19g fat.
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 these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the Tirpetakia a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. This saves time on the day of serving and allows the flavors to meld together.
What can I substitute for phyllo dough?
If you can't find phyllo dough, you can use puff pastry as an alternative. Keep in mind that puff pastry will yield a different texture, being flakier and thicker. Roll it out to a similar thickness as phyllo and follow the same assembly instructions.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Tirpetakia are done baking when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. A light touch should yield a crisp texture, indicating they are ready to be enjoyed.
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).