Selecting the right spinach is paramount. Opt for fresh leaves, robust and deep green, signifying optimal nutrient content and flavor. Wilt the spinach lightly to remove excess water, a critical step many overlook, that if ignored, results in a soggy pie.
Feta Cheese: A Love Affair with Saltiness
The feta cheese in your Spanakopita acts as a saline counterpoint to the earthiness of the spinach. Choose a high-quality feta, ideally made from sheep’s milk, to imbue your dish with rich, tangy undertones. The cheese can make or break your dish, and, in this particular culinary equation, mediocrity has no place.
The Assembly: An Exercise in Patience and Skill
Layer the phyllo sheets, each one lovingly brushed with olive oil, then deposit your spinach-feta mixture. Fold it up. Seal it. It’s not just about assembling ingredients; it’s a labor of love, a culinary ballet performed in slow motion.
Baking: The Final Frontier
The oven beckons, the stage upon which your culinary masterpiece will make its final transformation. A moderate 350°F (175°C) will ensure your layers crisp up without burning, the cheese melting into gooey perfection. Bake until golden brown, roughly 40-45 minutes.
A Meal, A Memory
Spanakopita isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, an expression of Greek culture folded into each layer, cradling a mix of flavors and textures that are at once humble and luxurious. So go ahead—take that first bite and let the journey begin.
Equipment
Large sauté pan
Mixing bowls
Pastry brush
9×13-inch baking dish
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
1 lb fresh spinach leaves
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
16 sheets phyllo dough thawed
Additional olive oil for brushing
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach:
Preheat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Drain excess water and set aside.
Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine wilted spinach, feta cheese, dill, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Assemble:
Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Place a sheet of phyllo at the bottom of the dish, brush with olive oil. Repeat this step, layering and brushing each sheet, until you have 8 sheets layered.
Spread the spinach-feta mixture evenly over the phyllo.
Continue the layering process with the remaining 8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with olive oil.
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: Cut into squares and serve hot. A side of Greek salad or tzatziki sauce complements the dish wonderfully.
