Spanakopita (Spinach and Cheese Pie)

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

Several varieties of cheese, herbs and seasonings baked in a flaky phyllo dough creates a delicious Mediterranean dish! I also add in some grated Parmesan cheese, but that is optional. For this recipe creamed cottage cheese can be used in place of the ricotta, but the ricotta is better. You will need a deep-dish 10-inch pie plate for this.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 3 (10 ounce) bags fresh spinach, chopped (remove the long stems)
• 3 tablespoons butter (or use olive oil)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese (I use the full-fat ricotta cheese)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• salt and black pepper (I use seasoned salt in place of the white salt)
• 8 ounces phyllo dough, thawed
• 1/4 cup melted butter (you might need a bit more)

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly butter the inside of the pie plate.
3. heat 3 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add in the onion, green onion and garlic and saute for about 3-4 minutes or until softened.
4. Add/stir in the chopped spinach and parsley; continue to cook for 3-5 minutes or until the spinach is limp; remove from heat and cool.
5. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended.
6. Add in ricotta cheese and feta, then add to the spinach mixture; mix to combine with a wooden spoon.
7. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper (at this point I add in about 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, but that is optional).
8. Layer 4 sheets of thawed phyllo dough into prepared pie plate, brushing each layer with melted butter or oil (to prevent drying out, follow the instructions on the phyllo dough package).
9. Pour the spinach mixture on top of the dough.
10. Repeat the layers of phyllo dough.
11. Tuck the overhanging dough into the pie plate and crimp edges.
12. Brush with melted butter.
13. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes.

Reviews

[MarlaM]

This turned out beautiful and delicious! I've only had frozen or "fast food" spanakopita, so I knew homemade would be much better. I always thought it would be a pain to make because of the phyllo, but I was so wrong - this was super easy! I added 8 oz of chopped mushrooms and dried parsley (because I forgot to buy fresh). After sauteing, I drained in a collendar, because it was super watery. I added about 5-6 tbsps of asiago and low fat ricotta (I didn't notice the "full fat" part of the recipe until after I bot it). I took this to Christmas Eve dinner for my vegetarian nephew and everyone enjoyed and commented on it. My MIL said "Marla, where do you get all of these great recipes?" and I told her all about Zaar :-) Thanks again Kittencal! I can always make your recipes to take for special occassions and know they will be great!

[2Bleu]

I made this tonight. I could not wait. The flavors of this dish are superb. I love the ricotta cheese. I do miss the cream cheese though, I think I will add about 4 oz next time. Thanks Kitten for a great recipe. -Bird-