How to Make a Delicious Spinach and Feta Cheese Pie

The delicious Spinach and Feta Cheese Pie is one of the most beloved Mediterranean dishes that you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients, which you probably already have in your pantry. This savory pie combines the rich flavors of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs into a flaky crust that will leave you craving for more.

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Number of servings: 6-8

• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves (well-washed)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 tablespoon dried dill
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• All-purpose flour for rolling out the pie crust
• A 9-inch pie dish or tart pan

Preparation Steps:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it's heating, you can get started on preparing your spinach. Place the spinach in a large pot and pour over boiling water for about two minutes. Drain the spinach through a colander, squeezing out as much moisture as possible.

In a mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, crumbled feta cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, and shredded mozzarella cheese with the eggs and dried dill. Season this mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside while you prepare the crust.

Making the Crust:

For the crust, first take a piece of parchment paper that is slightly larger than your pie dish or tart pan. Place it on a clean surface, and then sprinkle flour over the parchment. Roll out the puff pastry dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick; transfer this to your prepared pie dish.

Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to ensure that air can escape while baking. Bake the unbaked crust at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 12 minutes or until it's golden and crisp on the edges.

Filling the Pie:

After the crust has baked, allow it to cool slightly before carefully removing the parchment paper. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Sprinkle with a small handful of feta cheese for extra flavor and texture on top of your filling.

Baking:

Transfer the dish back into the oven, ensuring that it is baking at 375°F (190°C). Bake until the edges are golden brown and the filling is firm to the touch. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Finishing Touches:

Once your pie has reached its desired texture, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve this with a side of mixed greens or crusty bread if you like, but it pairs exceptionally well on its own as a hearty main dish.

Tips & Variations:

1. Vegetarian Option: For those following vegetarian diets, ensure that the eggs used in this recipe are strictly egg whites for a plant-based version. This will not affect the taste or texture of the pie but allows you to avoid using whole eggs.
2. Add More Herbs: Feel free to add more fresh dill or basil into your mixture to give it an extra burst of flavor. Fresh herbs can add a lot of freshness to this dish, and they're relatively easy to find at most markets.
3. Cheese Variation: You could try adding some mozzarella cheese if you prefer a creamier taste or omitting the mozzarella for a lighter version. Adding more feta will give it an extra salty kick!

The spinach and feta pie is not only delicious but also very versatile, making it perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even a light lunch on its own. The combination of flavors from the spinach, cheese, eggs, and herbs provides a rich and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

To sum up, this Spinach and Feta Cheese Pie recipe is simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables or to create something special using common ingredients. Try it out and impress your family or friends with this classic Mediterranean dish!