How to make healthy Greek Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a delicious and healthy dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world.

In short:

Spanakopita is a popular Greek dish made with spinach, feta cheese, and phyllo pastry. The spinach and feta cheese filling is seasoned with herbs such as dill and oregano, and the phyllo pastry is layered on top of the filling to create a crispy, flaky crust.

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Difficulty

The recipe looks like it is very complicated and long, but in fact it is not at all complicated, and the description is only to help you step by step with what to do. Once you’ve made it the first time, it will be easiest thing ever to zoosh up for your family, and friends.

The exact proportions of the ingredients may vary depending on your personal preferences. If you like more feta, then add more. If you like more onion, well why not…

The best ever traditional recipe for home made Spanakopita

For this basic and easy recipe, You will need:

Ingredients:

1 package of phyllo pastry sheets (375g)
1/2 cup of butter, melted
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 packages of frozen chopped spinach (300g each), thawed and drained well
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped scallions (spring onion)
3 eggs, lightly beaten
250g feta cheese, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes)
Add the spinach, parsley, spring onion, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir well. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and tender.
Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and then add the crumbled feta cheese. Mix well.
Add the cooled spinach mixture to the egg and cheese mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Lay a sheet of phyllo pastry in the dish, brush it with melted butter, and repeat with 6 more sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
Pour the spinach mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Layer the remaining phyllo pastry sheets on top of the spinach mixture, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
Trim any overhanging phyllo pastry and tuck the edges into the sides of the dish.
Brush the top layer with melted butter and use a sharp knife to score the top layer into portions.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

How to make a Spanakopita Spiral: Youtube Short

How to Serve

The dish is typically served as an appetizer or snack and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

You can add poppy seeds, nuts, pumpkin seeds… You can make it round, or in small parcels, or even like little samosas… Give your imagination wings, but start with this original recipe.

Chefs Tip:

Remember that spanakopita is a delicate dish, so be sure to not add too many ingredients that might overpower the flavors of the spinach and feta cheese.

You can add-

Herbs: In addition to the dill and parsley that are commonly used in spanakopita, you can add other herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to give it more flavor.
Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to your spanakopita to give it more texture and flavor.
Nuts: Chopped nuts like pine nuts or walnuts can be added to the filling or sprinkled on top of the pastry to give your spanakopita a nice crunch.
However, we tend to like the traditional more basic version. Let us know what you think or share your best recipe on our Facebook page.

Where does Spanakopita come from?

Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish that has been enjoyed for many years. The word “spanakopita” comes from the Greek words “spanaki” (spinach) and “pita” (pie). The dish is thought to have originated in Greece, where it is commonly served as a snack or appetizer.

Spanakopita is a popular dish in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, and variations of it can be found in other cultures as well. It is often made with regional ingredients and spices, and can be adapted to suit individual tastes.

Why do people love Spanakopita?

Spanakopita has become a staple of Greek cuisine. Its popularity is due in part to its delicious flavor and the healthy ingredients it contains, such as the spinach and feta cheese.

Try it and Enjoy!

Travel Guide for Greece: Read more…