How to Make Spinach Cheese Squares
Spinach and cheese make the perfect combination for a savory treat. It can be served for a quick snack or a main dish. The popular Greek pastry spanikopita combines spinach and feta between sheets of paper-thin filo dough brushed with butter. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
- 3 packages thawed, frozen chopped spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp. flour
- 1 lb. feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 sticks (1/2 lb.) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lb. filo, thawed
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Knife
- Square brush
- 9-by-13 inch baking pan
Instructions
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1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Brush the baking pan with butter, and set it aside.
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2
Chop the garlic, onions and herbs. Thaw, drain and squeeze any excess water from the spinach.
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3
Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add garlic and onions and saute until they are soft. Add the spinach and stir, cooking until it is heated through. Add the flour and cook over medium heat for two to three minutes. Remove it from the heat.
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4
Stir in the fresh herbs, adding salt and pepper. Add the feta and cottage cheese, mixing thoroughly.
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5
Place a sheet of filo dough on the bottom of the pan and brush generously with butter. Add seven more layers of filo dough before pouring in half of the spinach-cheese mixture. Add eight buttered layers of filo dough on top, then the rest of the spinach-cheese mixture. Top it off with eight more layers of buttered filo dough. Brush the remaining butter on top and fold in all of the sides.
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6
Bake for 50 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool five to ten minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or cold. Refrigerate any leftover portions.
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