Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of phyllo dough
- 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup of chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup of tirokafteri (spicy feta cheese dip)
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and tirokafteri. Mix well.
3. Brush the bottom and sides of the pie dish with olive oil.
4. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on the bottom of the pie dish. Brush it with melted butter.
5. Repeat step 4 with 5 more sheets of phyllo dough, overlapping them slightly and brushing each layer with melted butter.
6. Spread the feta cheese, spinach, and tirokafteri mixture evenly on top of the phyllo dough.
7. Cover the filling with 6 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with melted butter.
8. Fold the edges of the phyllo dough over the top of the pie to create a crust.
9. Brush the top of the pie with melted butter.
10. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top of the pie.
11. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown.
12. Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 280
Fat: 20g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 500mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of tirokafteri, you can use any other spicy cheese dip.
- Instead of spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard.
- Instead of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs, such as dill or oregano, to season the filling.
- Add chopped olives or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
- If the phyllo dough tears, don't worry. Simply patch it up with another piece of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing it to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the pie, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake it for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pie on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint.
- Cut the pie into small squares and serve it as an appetizer.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Serve the pie with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the phyllo dough is too dry, brush it with a little bit of olive oil or water to moisten it.
- If the pie is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pie to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Store the leftover pie in the refrigerator and consume it within 3 days.
Food history:
- Tirokafteri is a traditional Greek dip made with feta cheese, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Phyllo dough is a thin, flaky pastry that is commonly used in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- The pie has a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the tirokafteri and feta cheese.
- The spinach adds a fresh and earthy flavor to the filling.
- The phyllo dough is crispy and buttery.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pie as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
- Cut the pie into small squares and serve it as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Greek