How to Make Spinach Pie

Greeks eat a mostly vegetarian diet, and fish, due to their location amongst the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Spinach pie, or spanakopita (in Greek) is a great appetizer or main dish. It is made mostly with feta cheese and Spinach. Make this dish to impress your friends or relatives--even if they aren't Greek!

Things You'll Need

• 2 and 1/4 cupt frozen spinach, thoroughly drained
• 4 green onions (scallions) finely chopped
• 1 pound feta cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 16 sheets filo
• 1 cup butter (may need more)
• 9 X 13 glass dish

Instructions

Spanakopita tonight!

1. Make sure the spinach is thoroughly drained. Drain spinach first so you can prepare the other ingredients while the spinach drains. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Place thoroughly dried spinach in bowl and mix in the onions and feta.

3. Add the beaten eggs and stir or mix in with hands.

4. Mix in dill and parsley. Add salt and pepper to your liking.

5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush bottom of 9 X 13 dish with butter.

6. Layer the filo dough, one sheet at a time, coating thoroughly with butter. Make sure the ends of the sheet have enough butter on them or they will flake around the edges.

7. After 8 buttered sheets, add in the spinach and feta filling. Then layer the last 8 sheets, buttering each sheet thoroughly.

8. Bake for 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• You may substitute olive oil for butter.

• Add in fresh mint for extra taste.

• Be sure to butter each sheet of filo evenly, all the way to the ends. If you put too much butter or olive oil in the center of the sheet of filo, the pie can become soggy.