Spanakopita Turnovers

Spanakopita Hand Pies Recipe

Hello! We are going to prepare some delicious Spanakopita hand pies, the emblematic Greek pie that combines fresh spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs wrapped in crispy phyllo dough. An ideal dish to share with family or friends, bringing all the flavor of the Mediterranean to your table.

Preparation time

Here is the approximate time to prepare these special hand pies:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 60 minutes
• Total: 90 minutes
• Servings: 12 hand pies
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the dough and assembly

• 500 g phyllo dough
• 120 ml olive oil
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• Water for sprinkling

For the filling

• 1 kg fresh spinach leaves
• 8 finely chopped spring onions
• 15 g finely chopped fresh dill
• 25 g finely chopped fresh parsley
• 500 g of feta cheese crumbled
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 3 beaten eggs without frothing
• Salt and pepper to taste

In case you can't find feta cheese, you can substitute it with graviera or kaseri cheese, which provide a similar texture and flavor and work well for the filling. Remember that it's important that the cheese doesn't release too much water so that the filo pastry maintains its crispy texture.

Utensils we will use

• Baking dish (can be springform or a rectangular oven dish)
• Pastry brush for spreading oil and butter
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables and herbs
• Spoon or spatula for mixing the filling
• Colander or strainer for the spinach

Preparation

1. Phyllo dough preparation

1. Grease the mold with oil: with a brush, cover the entire surface of the mold with olive oil to prevent the dough from sticking.
2. Place the phyllo dough: spread half of the phyllo dough sheets, which should extend beyond the edges to later seal the pie well. Brush each sheet with oil so they turn out golden and crispy.

2. Prepare the filling

1. Wash and drain the spinach: it's best to rinse under the tap to remove dirt or impurities and drain them very well to prevent them from releasing water into the phyllo dough, which is delicate.
2. Chop the spring onions, dill, and parsley: use a sharp knife to cut finely. Fresh herbs add essential aroma and flavor to the recipe.
3. Mix in a bowl: combine the spinach with the spring onions, dill, parsley, crumbled feta cheese, milk, and beaten eggs. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that feta cheese is already salty, so taste before adding too much salt.

3. Assembly and baking

1. Spread the filling: distribute the mixture evenly over the phyllo dough in the mold.
2. Cover with the rest of the dough: place the remaining sheets on top, brushing each one with oil. Fold the overhanging edges to seal the pastries well and prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
3. Mark the cut: gently mark the portions on the dough before baking so it's easier to divide them later without breaking them.
4. Spray with water: sprinkle a few drops of water on top, which will help the phyllo dough maintain its internal moisture and brown properly.
5. Bake: place the mold on the middle rack of the oven and bake at 180ºC for approximately 1 hour, or until the dough is golden and crispy.

To finish and serve

Once out of the oven, let the spanakopita turnovers rest for a few minutes so that the filling sets and they are easier to cut. Serve warm accompanied by a fresh salad or a plate of Kalamata olives for a truly Mediterranean flavor. The essence of Mediterranean Delights is captured in every bite.

I want to share these tips with you

• Drain the spinach well: prevents excess water from affecting the crispy texture of the phyllo dough.
• Use good quality olive oil: enhances the original flavor and helps brown the dough perfectly.
• Score before baking: facilitates serving and keeps the presentation intact.
• Do not overfill: a mixture that is too wet or abundant can moisten the dough and cause it to break.
• Let it rest before cutting: helps the turnovers maintain their shape and prevents the filling from spilling.

Nutritional Information per serving

• Calories: 397 kcal
• Protein: 14 g
• Fats: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g

These values are approximate estimates per serving and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

5 keys to perfect hand pies

1. The freshness of the ingredients: using fresh spinach and well-drained feta cheese is fundamental for good flavor and texture.
2. Careful handling of the filo dough: always brush it with oil and work quickly so it doesn't dry out or break.
3. Controlling the moisture of the filling: is essential for the dough to retain its crispness.
4. Adequate oven temperature: 180ºC is the ideal point for the dough to brown without burning and the filling to cook well.
5. Resting after baking: allows the filling to finish settling and makes it easier to cut uniform portions.

When is it ideal to enjoy Spanakopita hand pies?

This dish is perfect for enjoying at family gatherings or informal celebrations, as it can be prepared in advance and served in individual portions. Its crispy texture and fresh flavor make it ideal for summer or as an appetizer in a meal where you want to offer an authentic Mediterranean bite. It is also an economical and nutritious option to take to picnics or share in a The Table of Athens improvised with friends.

Explore more about how to prepare the true Greek pie with this video, where the step-by-step shows how to achieve the perfect texture in the filo dough and a balanced filling.

A practical visual guide to understanding the assembly and proper cooking of this Mediterranean recipe that captivates with every bite.

Exploring variations and combinations in home cooking

The turnovers of GiroSabor can easily adapt to different tastes and local ingredients. While the traditional base uses spinach and feta cheese, you can experiment with other vegetables like chard, or even add peppers and leeks for a different touch. If you liked the crispy texture but are looking for new experiences, the filling with marinated tuna or the integration of Kalamata olives, which provides an intense flavor, are modern proposals that fit well with this filo dough.

• Use kaseri or graviera cheese to vary the dairy flavor.
• Include local aromatic herbs like oregano or thyme to customize the aroma.
• Change the shape into individual empanadillas or a large pie depending on the occasion.

Don't forget to combine these options with tips to prevent the dough from getting soggy and to keep it crispy. Thus, the classic recipe is reinvented without losing its traditional essence of Mediterráneo en Mano.

Mediterranean Flavors in your home kitchen

The spanakopita empanadilla is a classic within La Empanadería Mediterranean cuisine, a key element to delve into this culinary universe. From the generous use of olive oil to the prominence of feta cheese and fresh dill, this recipe is a mirror of the simple and healthy cuisine that characterizes Greece. If you are interested in exploring more similar recipes, you can also look at options like tuna empanadas or try Asian bites like pot stickers, which, although different, share the concept of crispy stuffed dough.

In summary, the combination of fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and careful details make each empanadilla a gastronomic experience full of flavor and tradition. Don't hesitate to include them in your regular menu and surprise with Empanadas del Olimpo in your meals.

Spanakopita Turnovers

Spanakopita Empanadillas: step-by-step recipe baked to perfection with perfect texture. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: empanadillas, spanakopita, Mexican, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 200 kcal

Preparation Time: PT30M

Cooking Time: PT25M

Total Time: PT55M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 300 g fresh spinach, washed and drained
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large egg
• 100 g crumbled feta cheese
• A handful of fresh chopped parsley
• A handful of fresh chopped dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package Greek Dough (phyllo dough), completely thawed
• 125 g melted butter
• 7. 1 beaten egg for brushing

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: :

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: :

Total: 55 minutes

Servings: :

Servings: 8-10 units

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Intermediate

Step 1 :

It is essential that the phyllo dough is cold when handling it to prevent it from breaking and to ensure it bakes perfectly.

Step 2 :

The filling must be well drained to prevent moisture from softening the dough too much and losing its crispy texture.

Step 3:

Follow the order in buttering to ensure that each layer is even and golden.

Editor's Rating:
4.8