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Hortopitakia: Small Savory Pies with Greens and Herbs

A great meze

by Nancy Gaifyllia
for About.com

In Greek: χορτοπιτάκια, pronounced hor-toh-pee-TAHK-yah

Text-only version

Use homemade phyllo dough, pre-cut phyllo circles, or puff pastry to make these small savory pies.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of spinach, chopped
  • 2 pounds of fresh fennel, chopped
  • 2 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
  • 7/8 cup of water
  • salt & pepper
  • oil for frying
  • flour for work surface
  • fresh phyllo

Tools & Utensils

  • pressure cooker
  • heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet
  • slotted spoon or spatula
  • demitasse saucer (4 - 5 inches in diameter)
  • sharp knife
  • clean, dry towel

Yield: makes 50 small pies

To make the filling: In the pressure cooker, sauté the fennel and spring onions in the oil until limp. Add water, bring to a boil, and seal. When pressure is reached, lower heat and cook 10-12 minutes. Release pressure, open and add spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook uncovered over medium heat until the spinach wilts. Drain very well.

Images 1-12 of 13

  1. Step 1Cut the circles
  2. Step 2Cut closely together
  3. Step 3
  4. Step 4
  5. Step 5
  6. Step 6
  7. Step 7
  8. Step 8
  9. Step 9
  10. Step 10
  11. Step 11
  12. Step 12
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  7. Greek Food Photos Lessons - Small Savory Pies - Hortopitakia>

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