This Greek Spinach and Ricotta Pie is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors with a flaky crust. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe captures the essence of Greek cuisine while being easy to prepare. You’ll love how the creamy ricotta pairs with the fresh spinach and aromatic herbs.
Imagine a warm slice of pie, where each bite melts in your mouth, showcasing the vibrant taste of sautéed spinach blended with rich ricotta cheese. It’s an ideal dish for those who appreciate comforting yet wholesome meals.
Whether served as a main course or as part of a mezze platter, this Greek Spinach and Ricotta Pie will surely impress your guests. It’s not just food; it’s a taste of tradition, perfect for any occasion.
Overview of Greek Spinach and Ricotta Pie
The Greek Spinach and Ricotta Pie is a delightful representation of Greek culinary tradition. It features a flaky phyllo pastry crust enveloping a rich and creamy filling. The combination of fresh spinach and ricotta cheese creates a savory flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
This dish not only showcases vibrant green hues from the spinach but also offers a wonderful contrast with the golden-brown appearance of the baked phyllo. Served warm, it becomes an inviting centerpiece for any meal, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends.
Ingredients and Their Role
The key components of this pie include phyllo dough, spinach, and ricotta cheese, each contributing to the overall flavor and texture. Phyllo dough is renowned for its light and crispy layers, providing a satisfying crunch when baked.
Spinach, whether fresh or frozen, is packed with nutrients and adds a fresh taste to the filling. Ricotta cheese lends creaminess, while feta adds a slightly tangy flavor that complements the spinach beautifully. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley elevate the dish, making it aromatic and vibrant.
Preparing the Flaky Crust
A key feature of the Greek Spinach and Ricotta Pie is its flaky crust, achieved through careful layering of phyllo dough. Each sheet must be brushed with melted butter to ensure that it crisps up perfectly in the oven.
Start by laying a sheet of phyllo in your pie dish and generously brushing it with butter. Repeat this process with several layers, creating a sturdy base for your filling. This technique ensures that the crust will be both flaky and golden when baked, adding to the visual appeal of the pie.
Creating the Flavorful Filling
The filling is where the flavors come to life. Begin by sautéing chopped onions until they become translucent, then add the spinach until it wilts. This step helps to release the moisture from the spinach, ensuring that the filling remains firm rather than soggy.
Once cooled, mix the sautéed vegetables with ricotta, feta, and herbs. The combination of cheeses provides a creamy texture, while the herbs infuse the filling with a fresh taste. Season it to your liking, and it’s ready to be poured into the prepared crust.
Baking to Golden Perfection
After assembling the pie with the filling, it’s crucial to layer more phyllo on top, again brushing each layer with butter. This not only seals the filling but also contributes to a beautifully flaky top crust.
Before placing it in the oven, make a few slits in the top layer to allow steam to escape during baking. This helps achieve that desirable golden-brown finish. Bake the pie until it is bubbling and the crust is crispy, then allow it to rest for a few moments before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked to a delightful golden hue, the Greek Spinach and Ricotta Pie can be sliced into wedges and served warm. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, offering a fresh contrast to the richness of the pie.
For an added touch, garnish with fresh herbs before serving. This dish is not only visually appealing but also brings a fusion of flavors to the table, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Deliciously Flaky Greek Spinach and Ricotta Pie
The Greek Spinach and Ricotta Pie is a comforting dish made with layers of flaky pastry filled with a creamy mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese. The taste is a harmonious blend of savory and slightly tangy flavors, complemented by fresh herbs like dill and parsley.
Ingredients
- 1 package of phyllo dough (about 16 oz) thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach chopped (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Butter for brushing the phyllo layers
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the sautéed spinach and onion with ricotta cheese, feta cheese, beaten eggs, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Pie: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in a greased pie dish, brushing it lightly with melted butter. Repeat with several layers (about 5-7), ensuring you brush each layer with butter. Pour the spinach and ricotta filling into the pie crust and spread it evenly.
- Cover with Phyllo: Lay more sheets of phyllo dough on top of the filling, again brushing each layer with butter. Finish with a few layers to create a nice crust. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
- Bake: Cut a few slits in the top layer for steam to escape. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve: Cut into wedges and serve warm, either alone or with a side salad.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
