If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious dish that’s packed with flavor, you need to try Spanakopita! This traditional Greek recipe combines fresh spinach, creamy cheeses, and flaky phyllo dough to create a mouthwatering pastry. Don’t worry, it’s easier to make than you might think.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 pound (about 450g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Phyllo Layers:

• 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preparing the Filling

To start, let’s prepare the filling:

1. Prepare Spinach: If you’re using fresh spinach, make sure to wash it thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Chop the spinach finely.
2. Cook Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, green onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened.
3. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts and any excess moisture evaporates. Allow the mixture to cool.
4. Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with crumbled feta, ricotta, Parmesan, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Assembling Spanakopita

Now it’s time to assemble the spanakopita:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Phyllo Dough: Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out.
3. Layering Phyllo Sheets: Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process, stacking about 8-10 sheets and brushing each layer with butter.
4. Add Filling: Spread a portion of the spinach and cheese filling along one edge of the phyllo layers.
5. Rolling: Roll the phyllo and filling into a log or coil. Place the rolled Spanakopita in a greased baking dish.
6. Repeat: Repeat the process until all the filling is used, and the baking dish is filled with rolled Spanakopita.
7. Baking: Brush the top with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the Spanakopita to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm for the best flavor.

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making Spanakopita. With these simple steps, you can create a delicious and impressive dish that will wow your family and friends. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy this classic Greek favorite!