Spanakopita -Feta and Spinach Swirl
Try this easy, traditional spinach and feta pie with crispy, buttery filo pastry! This delicious Greek dish is simple to make and even more fun when shaped into a spiral for a unique twist.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 leek, finely chopped and washed
700g spinach
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Handful of fresh dill, finely chopped
400g feta, crumbled
16 sheets of filo pastry
Extra olive oil for greasing
1 hr 20 mins to prepare and cook | Serves 2-3
Method
In a pan, add oil over a medium heat. After a minute, add the finely chopped leek and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add the seasonings and stir. Then add the spinach in batches and cook until it wilts. Using a tablespoon, take out as much excess liquid from the pan and add more seasonings if necessary.
Stir through the chopped dill and crumbled feta, and place the mixture in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes until it cools down.
Take 3 sheets of filo and brush oil on top. Add approx 7 tbsp of the spinach mixture three quarters of the way down the filo and carefully roll to form a log. Make a spiral space with the first one and repeat this with the remaining mixture and filo pastry, making sure to wrap the log around to form one big spiral.
Brush more oil on top and bake at 170 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes.
Watch how to make it
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Spanakopita is a traditional Greek savoury pie made with layers of crispy filo pastry filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. It’s a popular Greek dish, often served as an appetiser or main course.
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Yes, you can make Spanakopita ahead of time. You can either prepare it fully and refrigerate it for a day or freeze it before baking. If freezing, make sure to defrost it in the refrigerator before baking for the best texture and flavour.
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Yes, traditional Spanakopita is a vegetarian dish, as it is made with spinach, cheese, and herbs without any meat. Be sure to check the ingredients of your filo pastry to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal fats.
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Filo pastry is typically available in the frozen food section of most supermarkets. Look for it near the frozen desserts or ready-made pastry items. You can also check specialty shops or Mediterranean grocery stores for more authentic options.
