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Spanakopita

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My yiayia's spanakopita — flaky, golden, and filled with spinach, feta, and family tradition. One of the first recipes I ever learned to make, and still one of the most beloved.

Ingredients

  • 2, 10 oz. bags fresh spinach, washed and dried 
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped 
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 
  • 1 bunch fresh dill, washed and dried 
  • 1¼ lbs feta cheese (block feta in brine, crumbled) 
  • 10 eggs, beaten 
  • 1 box phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions 
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, sauté spinach in 2 tablespoons olive oil until wilted. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté onion in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil until softened. Add to the bowl with spinach.
  3. Chop dill and add to the spinach mixture.
  4. Crumble feta and add to the spinach mixture.
  5. Add beaten eggs and stir to combine all ingredients well.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  7. Melt butter on the stovetop over low heat.
  8. Remove phyllo from package. Keep covered with a damp kitchen towel as you work to prevent it from drying out.
  9. Count out 9 sheets from the bottom of the stack and set aside, these will form the top of the pie.
  10. Brush a 9x13 glass baking dish with melted butter. Layer the remaining phyllo sheets one at a time, brushing each layer generously with butter.
  11. Once the bottom layers are complete, spread the spinach filling evenly over the phyllo.
  12. Layer the reserved 9 sheets on top, brushing each with butter.
  13. Before baking, use a sharp knife to score the top of the pie into your desired serving sizes — small diamonds for appetizers, larger squares for a main or side dish.
  14. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown.
  15. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least 1 hour before cutting through the score lines.

Notes

Always use block feta packed in brine, it has the best flavor and texture for this recipe.

Keep the phyllo covered with a damp towel the entire time you work. The moment it dries out it becomes brittle and tears easily.

Seasonal twists: In spring and summer, add the zest of one lemon to the spinach mixture for brightness. In fall and winter, add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.

  • Author: Antigone