Savory > Turkey > Pies > Cheese Pies

Kaşar Cheese and Spinach Pie Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated kaşar cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saute pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

4. In a saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and saute until softened, about 5 minutes.

5. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and nutmeg. Add the crumbled feta cheese, grated kaşar cheese, and cooled spinach mixture. Mix well.

7. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle that is slightly larger than the pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim the edges.

8. Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the pie crust.

9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

10. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 290
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 12g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Kaşar cheese can be substituted with mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.

Variations:
- Add diced cooked bacon or ham to the spinach and cheese mixture.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the spinach and cheese mixture.
- Use different herbs and spices, such as thyme or oregano, to flavor the spinach and cheese mixture.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is chilled and cubed before adding it to the flour mixture.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Use a fork to prick the bottom of the pie crust before adding the filling to prevent it from puffing up.
- Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Storage instructions:
Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the pie in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the pie on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Pairings:
Serve the pie with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted carrots and parsnips with honey and thyme
- Grilled asparagus with lemon and garlic

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pie crust is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- If the filling is too wet, add a little more cheese to help thicken it.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the spinach and cheese mixture until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
Kaşar cheese is a popular cheese in Turkey and is often used in savory dishes, such as pies and pastries.

Flavor profiles:
The pie has a savory and slightly tangy flavor from the cheese and a hint of nutmeg.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the pie warm or at room temperature as a main dish or as part of a brunch spread.

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Region: Turkish

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Salty, Herby