Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in spinach, dill, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook and stir until spinach is heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in feta cheese, eggs, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Place one pie crust in the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish. Pour spinach mixture into the crust. Top with remaining pie crust.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 333 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 11 g
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 73 mg
Sodium: 517 mg
Potassium: 225 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Vitamin A: 3255 IU
Vitamin C: 5.1 mg
Calcium: 211 mg
Iron: 2.3 mg
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Olive oil: canola oil or vegetable oil
- Onion: shallot or leek
- Frozen spinach: fresh spinach
- Fresh dill: dried dill
- Fresh parsley: dried parsley
- Feta cheese: goat cheese
- Ricotta cheese: cottage cheese
- Parmesan cheese: Romano cheese
- Pie crusts: puff pastry
Variations:
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage to the filling
- Add chopped mushrooms to the filling
- Use a combination of cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the filling
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the spinach well before adding it to the filling
- Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pie crust
- If the edges of the pie crust are getting too brown, cover them with aluminum foil
Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a side salad.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Chopped fresh dill
- Sliced olives
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken
Suggested side dishes:
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the filling is too wet, add a little more cheese or breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture
- If the filling is too dry, add a little more olive oil or cream
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the spinach thoroughly before adding it to the filling.
Food history:
Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish that has been around for centuries. It is typically made with phyllo dough, but this version uses pie crusts for a more convenient and accessible version.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a savory, salty, and slightly tangy flavor from the feta cheese and Parmesan cheese. The herbs add a fresh and earthy flavor, while the nutmeg adds a subtle sweetness.
Serving suggestions:
This dish is best served warm with a side of Greek salad and roasted vegetables.
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Region: Greek