Greek · serves 2

Spanakopita

Spinach and cheese in layers of pastry. Looks difficult, is mostly buttering sheets.

60 min A proper cook Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1kg spinach
  • 300g feta, crumbled
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 onion, 4 spring onions
  • 1/2 cup dill or parsley
  • 12 sheets phyllo pastry
  • 150g butter, melted
  • Nutmeg, black pepper

Method

  1. Wilt the spinach, then squeeze it bone dry in a cloth. Squeeze twice. Any water left will make the base soggy and there is no recovering from it.
  2. Cook the onion and spring onion soft, then mix with spinach, feta, eggs, herbs, nutmeg and pepper. Go easy on salt — feta is salty.
  3. Keep the phyllo under a damp cloth while you work or it cracks.
  4. Butter each sheet as you layer 6 of them in the tin, letting the edges hang over.
  5. Filling in, then 6 more buttered sheets on top. Fold the overhang in and tuck it down.
  6. Score the top into squares BEFORE baking — cutting it after shatters the pastry. 180°C, 45 minutes.

Questions people ask about Spanakopita

How long does Spanakopita take?

About 60 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a proper cook. A good part of that is unattended, so you can get on with something else once it is going.

What can I use instead of spinach in Spanakopita?

Use any soft green: methi, amaranth, or chard. All release water, so cook it off before proceeding.

Can I make Spanakopita ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Spanakopita vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

More ideas by ingredient

If you liked this

Kourabiedes
60 min · A proper cook
Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons
20 min · A proper cook
Baklava Overnight Oats
20 min · Some work
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
60 min · Easy
Filo Pastry from Scratch
130 min · A proper cook
Misal Pav
50 min · A proper cook