How To Make Spanakopita
Spanakopita recipe. Spanakopita is a Greek spinach pie that has become popular fare in more than just Greek restaurants. The filling is surrounded by light, flaky filo pastry, making it a vegetarian treat.
Step 2: Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 175ºC (325ºF/ gas mark 3).
Step 3: Fry the onions and garlic
Place the frying pan over medium to high heat. When warm, add the olive oil. Then add the onions and stir them in. Let them cook for a minute or so. Add the spring onions, the garlic, stir them in and allow them to cook until soft. Just before they are ready, add the dill. Toss the pan and give it all a quick mix with a spoon. Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Step 4: Make the filling
Into a large bowl, spoon in the spinach, onion and dill mixture, eggs and the feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Mix it together really well to combine and set it aside.
Step 5: Brush the pastry
Take the baking dish and brush the bottom with a little bit of the melted butter. Separate a sheet of filo from under the dampened tea towel and place it into the pan. Filo pastry must be covered at all times with a dampened tea towel or it will dry out. Brush it with butter. Place another sheet of pastry on top. Brush with butter as well. Continue layering until you have used 4 sheets of filo. But do not add the butter to the top sheet.
Step 6: Complete the spanakopita
Pour in the spinach mix over the top of the pastry. Then push it down and spread it evenly around the pan using your spoon. Carefully top it with 4 more layers of the filo in exactly the way done before, buttering each one. This time, however, you need to brush the top layer with butter. Your dish is now ready to bake!
Step 7: Bake
Transfer the dish into the centre of the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes or until it is crispy and a light golden brown then remove.
Step 8: Serve
Allow your pie to cool down for a few minutes before serving. It goes really well with tzatziki sauce and a fresh Greek salad!
