Greek Spinach Pie (Spanakopita)

Phil Franco's Note:

This is an authentic, really rich pie stuffed with spinach, onions, cheeses and herbs that are all enfolded by crispy, flaky phyllo dough. Makes 1 - 9x9 inch pan (5 servings).

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

Ingredients:

Servings: 5

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bunch green onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 lbs spinach, rinsed and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 8 sheets phyllo dough
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); lightly oil a 9x9 inch square baking pan.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion, green onions and garlic, until soft and lightly browned. Stir in spinach and parsley, and continue to saute until spinach is limp, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, ricotta, and feta. Stir in spinach mixture. Lay 1 sheet of phyllo dough in prepared baking pan, and brush lightly with olive oil. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush with olive oil, and repeat process with two more sheets of phyllo. The sheets will overlap the pan.
4. Spread spinach and cheese mixture into pan and fold overhanging dough over filling. Brush with oil, then layer remaining 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with oil. Tuck overhanging dough into pan to seal filling.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown. Cut into squares and serve while hot.

Reviews

[Jayne From Oz]

This was excellent! Never worked with filo pastry before and was apprehensive but it was so easy. Made it again halfing the spinach and using micemeat in a thick sauce for the meat eaters. Great recipe, Thank You!