Spanakópita
Spinach & Feta Cheese

Everyone loves spinach prepared this way! A famous Greek classic, spanakopita combines spinach, tangy feta cheese, and flaky layers of fillo.

Ingredients for 15” x 10” pan:  

  •  1 lb. fillo

  • 2 packages frozen chopped spinach

  • 4 - 5 eggs

  • 1 large carton cottage cheese*

  • 8 oz. Feta cheese

  • 1 bunch green onions

  • 1 tbsp. dried mint

  • 1 tbsp. dried dill weed

  • 2 tbsp. dry, unflavored breadcrumbs

  • olive oil, extra virgin

  • butter  

Filling:

  • Thaw spinach; drain & squeeze dry

  • Beat eggs

  • Chop green onions

  • Chop/crumble Feta cheese

  • Combine spinach, eggs, cottage cheese, Feta cheese, green onions, mint, dill weed, and breadcrumbs in large bowl. Mix well.

To assemble pita:

  • Layer 1/2 fillo sheets for bottom of pita.

  • Do not cut bottom fillo sheets to pan size; keep sides up.

  • Brush olive oil between each layer of fillo; brush sides.

  • Pour in filling; spread evenly.

  • Fold fillo sides over to completely enclose filling.

  • Cut remaining 1/2 fillo sheets to pan size.

  • Continue layering fillo sheets, brushing olive oil between each layer.

  • Brush top of final fillo sheet with butter to aid browning.

  • Trim excess fillo dough from sides and corners of pan.

  • Cut through TOP fillo layers ONLY; do NOT cut all the way through.

  • Bake pita at 350 degrees for 45 – 60 minutes; pita should be light, golden brown.

  • Let cool for at least 1/2 hour before cutting all the way through.

  • Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.

  • Refrigerate leftovers.

* May substitute one large tub of ricotta cheese or two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese.

 

Low fat version: use non-fat cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese or cream cheese), non-cholesterol egg substitute (such as Egg Beaters), and an olive oil vegetable spray (such as Pam).


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