Greek Greens Pie

threeovens's Note:

This is a sort of rustic version of Spanikopita or Greek Spinach Pie. It can be made with spinach or any green you like, or even a combination. Instead of a phyllo dough crust, the crust is made from corn meal and akin to polenta.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 lbs spinach (or use combination, if using packaged baby spinach only 1 pound is needed) or 2 lbs chard leaves (or use combination, if using packaged baby spinach only 1 pound is needed) or 2 lbs beet leaves, stemmed and washed (or use combination, if using packaged baby spinach only 1 pound is needed)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 bunch green onion, chopped
• kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 5 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup fine cornmeal (sometimes called corn flour)
• 1 cup water, as needed

Directions:

1. If using spinach, it needs to be steamed 1 to 2 minutes to wilt; chard or beet greens need to steam 3 to 4 minutes to wilt.
2. Transfer wilted greens to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking; squeeze out as much moisture as you can.
3. Chop and set aside in a large bowl.
4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat and cook the onion, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes; add green onions and cook another minute.
5. Stir in the greens and chopped herbs; season with salt and pepper and toss well.
6. Stir in the feta cheese.
7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F; oil a 10 inch round baking dish or cake pan.
8. In a medium saucepan, bring milk and 1/2 cup water to a simmer, over medium heat; add salt and slowly stream in the cornmeal while stirring with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent clumping.
9. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens like polenta.
10. Remove from heat and spread half the mixture in your prepared pan in a thin, even layer; spread the greens over the cornmeal in another even layer.
11. Dilute the remaining cornmeal with water until it resembles wet sand then stir in the remaining oil; spoon over the greens and smooth into an even layer (don't worry if it doesn't completely cover the greens).
12. Bake until the top is browned, about 45 minutes to an hour.
13. Remove and let sit for 30 minutes before cutting to allow the crusts to set up.
14. NOTE: You can make this several hours before serving and heat in a slow oven. It is also good at room temperature. It will keep, refrigerated, 3 days.