Ingredients and Weight:
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, about 200 grams (or use frozen spinach, about 2 packages)
- 500 grams ground lean lamb or chicken meat
- 1 cup chopped green onions or scallions
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1 box phyllo pastry sheets (approx. 8 sheets)
- 2 beaten eggs for sealing
- Butter for greasing the baking dish and phyllo sheets
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large pan, cook the spinach with a little water until tender. Let cool and then squeeze out excess moisture. Chop the spinach roughly.
- In a bowl, mix the ground meat, chopped spinach, green onions, olive oil, garlic, and allspice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Grease a baking dish with butter. Unroll the phyllo pastry sheets and keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
- Take one sheet of phyllo pastry and place it on the baking dish. Brush with butter. Repeat with another sheet, buttering each one.
- Spread the meat mixture over the phyllo sheets, leaving a border at the edges. Top with another two sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter.
- Fold the edges of the phyllo inward and press gently to seal. Brush the top with beaten eggs to seal and give a shiny appearance.
- Cut several slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approx. 350 calories per serving (depending on meat type and amount used)
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
(Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- A Greek classic, Spanikopita is a savory pie made with spinach and meat wrapped in layers of phyllo pastry.
- The result is a crispy, herby pie that is perfect for any occasion, especially as a part of a larger spread of dishes for a gathering or party.
- The dish offers a combination of flavors that Americans often find appealing due to its unique combination of flavors and textures.
User Comments:
- "This was an excellent dish! My family loved it." - John Doe
- "The combination of flavors was outstanding, and the texture was perfect." - Jane Smith
- "I've never made spanikopita before, but this recipe was easy to follow and turned out great." - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to use lean ground meat to reduce fat content if desired.
- Use fresh spinach for best results, but frozen spinach can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
- Keep phyllo pastry sheets covered with a damp cloth while handling to prevent them from drying out.
- When folding the edges of the pastry, make sure to seal them well to prevent leakage during baking.
