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Easy Greek Spinach Pie with Cheese

Spanakotyropita (also known as spanakopita)

by Nancy Gaifyllia
for About.com

Text-only recipe

This is a family favorite because it's quick and easier to make than some other versions.

Day 1: Make the Filling

  • 4 pounds of fresh spinach, washed, trimmed, and chopped
  • 1 large or 2 small spring onions, chopped
  • 2/3 cup of olive oil
  • 1/3 cup of water

Over medium heat, sauté the onion in olive oil until soft. Add spinach and water, bring to a boil and cover. Reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Put in a colander to drain. When cooled, cover and continue to drain in the refrigerator overnight.

Day 2: Make the Pita (photos)

  • spinach from day 1 (bring to room temp)
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 pounds of firm feta cheese
  • 2 teaspoons of freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons of olive oil
  • 1 pound of phyllo sheets 14 x 18 inches
  • 2 tablespoons of water

Note: Contrary to most instructions (even my own), the phyllo can be taken out of the freezer to defrost 3 hours before using (leave package unopened while defrosting).

Images 1-12 of 16

  1. Spinach Pie with CheesePhoto of Greek Spinach Pie with Cheese - Spanakopita - Spanakotyropita
  2. Start with prepared spinach, and preheat the oven
  3. Beat the egg and add to the spinach
  4. Crumble the cheese and add to the spinach
  5. Mix cheese and egg into spinach until well distributed
  6. Unroll the phyllo and count the sheets
  7. Use half the phyllo sheets on the bottom of the oiled pan
  8. Brush the phyllo with the oil
  9. Pour the spinach mixture into the pan
  10. Spread the spinach filling out evenly over the dough
  11. Lay the other half of the phyllo sheets on top
  12. Use a sharp knife to cut into 20 pieces
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