Spanakopita

Facts about Baklava

1. Spanakopita was made over 400 years ago
2. Spanakopita was made during the Turkish occupation of Greece
3. Spanakopita was originally invented for the field workers who would carry them in their pockets and consume them while working
4. Spanakopita is a Greek spinach pie consisting of a buttery, flaky phyllo pastry with a filling of cooked spinach, lemon juice, feta cheese, and sometimes dill
5. The traditional way to serve the pie is to cut it into small triangles and consume it while slightly warm, accompanied by tzatziki sauce - a flavorful dip consisting of yogurt, garlic, and cucumbers

Recipe

Instuctions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a 9x9 inch square baking pan
2. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion, green onions and garlic, until soft and lightly browned. Stir in spinach and parsley, and continue to saute until spinach is limp, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool
3. In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, ricotta, and feta. Stir in spinach mixture. Lay 1 sheet of phyllo dough in prepared baking pan, and brush lightly with olive oil. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush with olive oil, and repeat process with two more sheets of phyllo. The sheets will overlap the pan. Spread spinach and cheese mixture into pan and fold overhanging dough over filling. Brush with oil, then layer remaining 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with oil. Tuck overhanging dough into pan to seal filling
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown. Cut into squares and serve while hot