Cheese Spinach Pie

Cheese Spinach Pie Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Ukraine

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cheese Spinach Pie is a delicious and savory dish that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the earthy flavors of spinach. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is both easy to make and impressive to serve.

History

The origins of Cheese Spinach Pie are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of cheese and spinach has been a popular pairing in many cultures for centuries, as both ingredients are readily available and complement each other well in terms of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

0.33 cup chopped onion
1 tbsp margarine
0.25 lb (113 g) sliced cheese (swiss or muenster)
1 cup cooked, chopped spinach (drained)
3 large eggs
3.5 cups of milk
0.5 tsp salt
dash of pepper
9-inch pie shell

How to prepare

Cook the onion in margarine until it becomes tender. Allow it to cool.
Place slices of cheese over the pie dough, followed by spinach and then onions.
Beat the eggs and add enough milk to make 1 cup. Mix in the seasonings and pour the mixture over the ingredients in the pie shell.
Bake in a 400° oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. Serve the dish while it is still hot.

Variations

You can substitute cooked and chopped broccoli, green beans, zucchini, or peas for spinach.
Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version of the pie.
Mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added flavor.
Use phyllo dough instead of a pie shell for a lighter and flakier crust.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly drain the cooked spinach before adding it to the pie shell, as excess moisture can make the dish soggy.

- Experiment with different types of cheese to find the flavor combination that you enjoy the most. Muenster cheese is used in this recipe, but you can also try cheddar, mozzarella, or feta for a different twist.

- For a lighter version of this dish, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.

- Serve the Cheese Spinach Pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese Spinach Pie can be served as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to pre-cook the spinach and onions before adding them to the pie shell, as this will ensure that they are fully cooked and tender.

- Bake the pie in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking and a golden brown crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the pie shell.

- If you don't have muenster cheese, you can use any other type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Cheese Spinach Pie up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cheese Spinach Pie on a decorative platter or pie dish for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Cheese Spinach Pie pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light and refreshing salad with a citrus vinaigrette.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cheese Spinach Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese Spinach Pie contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese Spinach Pie contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese Spinach Pie contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese Spinach Pie contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheese Spinach Pie is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and milk) and eggs.

Summary

Cheese Spinach Pie is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Cheese Spinach Pie is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its creamy cheese, tender spinach, and flaky crust, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cheese Spinach Pie. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha for our weekly knitting circle. As we sat around the table working on our latest projects, Martha suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, I almost forgot! I have a new recipe I want to share with you all."

She pulled out a tattered old cookbook from the shelf and flipped through the pages until she found the recipe she was looking for. As she read out the ingredients and instructions, my mouth began to water. The combination of creamy cheese and savory spinach sounded like a match made in heaven.

Martha explained that she had first learned to make this dish from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through the generations. She described how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, meticulously measuring out the ingredients and carefully layering the cheese and spinach in the pie crust.

I was fascinated by the idea of a recipe being passed down from one generation to the next, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. I knew I had to try my hand at making this Cheese Spinach Pie.

After our knitting circle ended, Martha handed me a copy of the recipe and wished me luck. I couldn't wait to get home and start cooking. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my own kitchen.

I followed the recipe to the letter, carefully folding the spinach and cheese into the pie crust and baking it until it was golden brown and bubbling. The smell that wafted through my kitchen was divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the pie was finally ready, I took a big bite and savored the flavors. The creamy cheese melted in my mouth, while the spinach added a burst of freshness. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

From that day on, Cheese Spinach Pie became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I made it, I would think of Martha and her grandmother, and the tradition they had passed down to me.

Over the years, I have added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different types of cheese and seasonings to make it truly my own. But no matter how many times I make it, the Cheese Spinach Pie will always remind me of that warm summer day when I first learned to make it.

As I look back on all the recipes I have collected over the years, this one holds a special place in my heart. It represents not just a delicious dish, but a connection to the past and to the loved ones who have shared their culinary wisdom with me.

I am grateful for the traditions that have been passed down to me, and I look forward to passing them on to future generations. Who knows, maybe one day my own grandchildren will be sitting around a table, sharing stories and recipes just like Martha and I did all those years ago. And I hope that they, too, will feel that sense of anticipation and joy as they discover the magic of Cheese Spinach Pie.