Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of phyllo dough
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup of Circassian cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 3 eggs, beaten
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, Circassian cheese, feta cheese, ricotta cheese, parsley, dill, mint, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and eggs. Mix well.
3. Brush the pie dish with melted butter.
4. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the pie dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat with 5 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
5. Pour the cheese and spinach mixture into the pie dish.
6. Layer the remaining phyllo dough sheets on top of the cheese and spinach mixture, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
7. Brush the top layer of phyllo dough with melted butter.
8. Use a sharp knife to cut the pie into 8 equal slices.
9. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
10. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 slices
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 290
- Total fat: 20g
- Saturated fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total carbohydrate: 17g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Circassian cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or goat cheese.
- Fresh parsley, dill, and mint can be substituted with dried herbs.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
Variations:
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the cheese and spinach mixture for extra flavor.
- Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard.
- Add chopped walnuts or pine nuts to the cheese and spinach mixture for extra crunch.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to brush each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
- Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the leftover pie in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pie on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, or mint.
Pairings:
- Serve the pie with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Grilled zucchini
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the phyllo dough cracks, simply patch it with a piece of dough and brush it with melted butter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the pie until the filling is set and the top is golden brown to ensure that it is fully cooked.
Food History:
- Circassian cheese is a type of cheese that originated in the Caucasus region of Russia.
Flavor Profiles:
- The pie has a savory and slightly tangy flavor from the cheese and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the pie as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Turkish