Savory Delights: Homemade Filo Pie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pack of Filo pastry (12 sheets)
  • 400g of spinach
  • 200g of feta cheese
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100g of unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Wash the spinach thoroughly and allow it to drain.
  3. Chop the onion and garlic finely and sauté them in a pan with the olive oil until they become translucent.
  4. Add the spinach to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook until it wilts down.
  5. While the spinach is cooling, beat the eggs in a bowl.
  6. Crumble the feta cheese into the bowl with the eggs and mix well.
  7. Add the cooled spinach mixture to the bowl and mix everything together.
  8. Melt the butter in a separate pan or in the microwave.
  9. Brush a baking dish with some of the melted butter. Lay a sheet of filo pastry in the dish and brush it with more butter. Repeat this process until you've used half of your filo sheets.
  10. Pour the spinach and cheese mixture over the layered filo sheets in the dish.
  11. Continue to layer the remaining filo sheets on top of the mixture, brushing each one with butter as before.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
  13. Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before cutting into it and serve warm.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - Used to mix the eggs, feta cheese, and spinach together.
  • Frying Pan - Used to sauté the onions and garlic and cook the spinach.
  • Baking Dish - Used to assemble and bake the filo pie.
  • Pastry Brush - Used to brush melted butter onto the filo sheets and baking dish.
  • Knife - Used to chop the onions and garlic.
  • Oven - Used to bake the filo pie.
  • Spatula - Used to mix the spinach and cheese mixture.
  • Colander - Used to drain the washed spinach.
  • Whisk - Used to beat the eggs.
  • Microwave or Stovetop - Used to melt the butter.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of cheese like ricotta, goat cheese, or cheddar instead of feta.
  • Add cooked chicken, turkey, or bacon to make it a meat-filled pie.
  • Replace the spinach with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard.
  • Experiment with different vegetables like roasted peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Try using phyllo dough instead of filo pastry for a slightly different texture.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free filo pastry or substituting with gluten-free puff pastry.
  • Add herbs and spices like dill, parsley, or paprika to enhance the flavor.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the eggs with a vegan egg replacer or tofu scramble.
  • Make individual filo pie parcels by folding the sheets into smaller pockets instead of a large pie.

Recipe overview

This savory Filo Pie, also known as Spanakopita, is a delightful blend of flaky filo pastry, creamy feta cheese, and nutrient-rich spinach. This traditional Greek dish is more than just a staple; it's a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create a dish that's both comforting and exciting. Our Filo Pie recipe is easy to follow and perfect for both novices and experienced cooks. Whether you're looking for an impressive centerpiece for a dinner party or a hearty family dinner, this pie won't disappoint. The process involves layering thin sheets of filo pastry, brushing each one with melted butter for that golden, crispy finish. In the middle, you'll find a rich filling of sautéed spinach and onions, mixed with crumbled feta cheese and eggs. Once baked, the pie is delightfully crispy on the outside, with a creamy, flavorful filling. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to impress - enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.
  2. Can I substitute the feta cheese with another type of cheese? While feta cheese adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with other crumbly cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta if desired.
  3. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the spinach and cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking the pie.
  4. What can I serve with filo pie? Filo pie pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. It can also be served as a main dish with some tzatziki sauce on the side.
  5. Can I freeze the filo pie? Yes, you can freeze the filo pie. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated oven until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A dish large enough to hold the filo pie mixture.
  • Brush - A pastry brush to brush butter or oil onto the filo pastry sheets.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the filo pie into slices.
  • Spatula - A spatula for serving individual portions of the filo pie.
  • Oven mitts - To protect your hands when removing the hot baking dish from the oven.
  • Serving platter - A platter or plate for presenting and serving the filo pie.

Origin stories

Filo pie, or more specifically spinach and feta filo pie, is often associated with the hearty, comforting cuisine of Greece. It's a variant of the iconic Greek dish Spanakopita. This flaky, savory pie is steeped in history, dating back to the days of ancient Greece. The use of filo pastry, however, was introduced much later, around the Ottoman Empire, a testament to the cultural exchanges that occurred throughout the Mediterranean region. It's said that, in olden days, Greek housewives would prepare the dough and skillfully roll it out as thin as a leaf, a skill that required both strength and finesse. Today, the filo dough we use is machine made, but the traditional method of layering the dough with a flavorful filling remains the same, a nod to the culinary traditions of generations past.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.