Greece is undoubtedly one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans, but it has much more to offer than picturesque beaches. Full of taste, aromas and really delicious – typical Greek specialties remind us of summer and always put you in a good mood. The Greeks simply love their food and it is not for nothing that Greek cuisine is considered one of the best in the world. We have all eaten classics such as farmer's salad, souvlaki, moussaka or tzatziki. But have you ever tried spanakopita? If not, then you're really missing out. The vegetarian Greek specialty tastes simply wonderful and is ideal as finger food for the buffet or a small snack in between. And no, you don't have to get on the plane straight away to enjoy this dish. Instead, read on and make our best spanakopita recipe today! Whether classic, vegan, as puff pastry pockets or even as a creamy spinach dip – a real culinary delight!
Spanakopita, also known as spinach pie or spinach strudel, is nextZaziki-Dipandstuffed grape leavesa classic dish of Greek cuisine. A creamy filling made of spinach, feta and eggs and crispy phyllo dough - the vegetarian delicacy is always a pleasure and tastes really wonderful at any time. As with most dishes, spanakopita has many variations and every family has their own secrets and tricks when preparing it. For example, you can use both fresh and frozen spinach. Or instead of using phyllo dough, the spanakopita recipe works just as well with puff pastry.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams frozen spinach, thawed
- 3-4 spring onions, finely chopped
- 350-400 grams feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 Owner
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 30 grams each of fresh dill, parsley and mint, finely chopped
- A pinch of salt
Filo-Teig:
- 300 grams of wheat flour
- 70 ml olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 130-150 ml water
Make your own filo dough
Beginners in particular don't really dare to make their own filo dough. But with our simple recipe, everyone is guaranteed to succeed perfectly! However, if you are in a hurry or don't feel like it, you can use ready-made filo dough or make the spanakopita recipe with puff pastry.
- Place all the ingredients for the filo dough in a large bowl and knead either with your hands or in a food processor to form an elastic, soft dough.
- Cover and let the dough rest in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Then divide into 6-8 large pieces and shape into small balls.
- Roll out the dough balls thinly on a floured work surface - if you can see through them, then you've done it perfectly.
Make spanakopita yourself
This spanakopita recipe is simple and preparing it is a breeze.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté spring onions for 2-3 minutes.
- Add spinach and sauté for 5-6 minutes or until wilted and water has evaporated.
- Place the mixture in a colander to catch any remaining liquid.
- Then add the remaining ingredients and mix everything well.
- Preheat the oven to 190 and drizzle a large baking tray with olive oil.
- Place a sheet of filo dough in it and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Repeat the process two more times and spread the spanakopita filling over it.
- Place the remaining filo sheets on top and press the side edges together with a fork.
- Brush with olive oil and bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown.
- And voilà – the Greek spanakopita recipe is that easy!
Puff pastry pockets with spinach and feta
Whether for dinner or on the buffet as a quick appetizer - these puff pastry pockets with spinach and feta are a great version of the classic spanakopita and are always a hit!
Ingredients:
- 500 grams frozen spinach, defrosted
- 2-3 spring onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 300 grams of feta
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Some fresh dill
- Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
- 1 pack of puff pastry
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 190 degrees and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
- Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and saute onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
- Add frozen spinach and sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly and squeeze well with your hands.
- Then add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 8 squares.
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture in each corner, carefully fold the dough over and fold it into a triangle.
- Press the edges firmly with a fork and brush the puff pastry pockets with olive oil.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and enjoy!
Spanakopita Recipe vegan
Yes, you can actually make the spanakopita recipe vegan! Just as delicious and wonderfully crunchy - perfect for a light and healthy appetizer or vegan dinner!
Ingredients:
- 2 pieces of puff pastry
- 600 grams of fresh spinach
- 4-5 spring onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 40 grams of nutritional yeast
- The grated zest of 1 lemon
- 15-20 grams each of fresh mint and fresh dill
- 400 grams of firm silken tofu
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt
Preparation:
- For the vegan “feta cheese”, crumble the tofu with a fork in a large bowl and season with lemon juice and salt.
- Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic.
- Add spinach and fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely and squeeze well.
- Mix all the ingredients for the filling well in a bowl.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and drizzle a baking tray with olive oil.
- Roll out the first roll of puff pastry and place it in the baking tray.
- Spread the filling on top and cover with the other puff pastry.
- Brush with olive oil and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- And that's it - it's that easy to prepare spanakopita vegan!
Creamy spinach dip with feta and mozzarella
And here a spanakopitaRecipe with a difference! Beautifully creamy, aromatic and irresistibly delicious - serve this spinach dip with onehomemade focacciaand you have the perfect finger food!
Ingredients:
- 650 grams of spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 230 grams feta cheese, crumbled
- 230 grams of cream cheese
- 150 Grams Mozzarella
- 50 ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Preparation:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and fry onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes,
- Add spinach and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly and place in a large bowl.
- Add cream cheese and feta, season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and drizzle a baking dish with olive oil.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes and let cool slightly at room temperature.
- Serve the spinach and feta dip with bread or vegetable sticks and enjoy!