Phyllo Pies

Phyllo Pies Recipe from Greece with Pineapple

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Phyllo pies are a delicious and versatile dessert that can be filled with a variety of fruits and flavors. These flaky pastries are perfect for a sweet treat or a light snack.

History

Phyllo pies have their origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where thin layers of phyllo dough are used to create a crispy and delicate pastry. The use of fruit fillings in phyllo pies is a popular variation that adds a sweet and juicy element to the dish.

Ingredients

1 cup of drained fruit (such as pineapple, cherries, and strawberries)
phyllo dough
PAM or other spray oil (regular oil in a pump spray bottle can be used)
0.5 cup of flour and sugar mixture (equal parts)
1.5 cups of fruit

How to prepare

Take the fruit and thaw if it is frozen, then drain it.
Mix the flour and sugar mixture into the fruit.
The flour thickens the remaining juices of the fruit to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, and the sugar adds sweetness (adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste).
Take a few sheets of the phyllo dough and roll up the remaining sheets.
Note that the phyllo dough dries out quickly.
Fold each sheet of dough into quarters (fold in half and then in half again in the other direction). Place a spoonful of fruit in the center of the dough and fold the dough over the fruit to create a neat package.
Place the packages onto a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with PAM.
Once the cookie sheet is full, spray the tops of all the packages with PAM to prevent them from burning.
Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 20 minutes, or until the tops turn a light golden brown color.

Variations

Experiment with different fruit fillings such as peaches, berries, or apples to create a variety of phyllo pie flavors. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and aromatic touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Thaw frozen fruit before using in the recipe to ensure that excess moisture is removed.

- Fold the phyllo dough carefully to prevent tearing and ensure that the pies hold their shape during baking.

- Use a pump spray bottle to evenly coat the phyllo pies with oil before baking for a crispy and golden finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve phyllo pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a light and fruity snack.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the phyllo pies in a preheated oven at a moderate temperature to ensure that the pastry cooks evenly and turns golden brown. Be sure to monitor the pies closely to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have phyllo dough on hand, you can use puff pastry or pie crust as a substitute for the pastry in this recipe. You can also use a different type of fruit or sweetener to customize the filling to your taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the fruit filling and assemble the phyllo pies ahead of time, then bake them just before serving for a fresh and crispy dessert. Leftover phyllo pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the phyllo pies on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation. You can also drizzle them with honey or caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair phyllo pies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert experience. They also go well with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a festive treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover phyllo pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pies in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of phyllo pies contains approximately 200 calories, making them a light and satisfying dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of phyllo pies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the fruit filling and the phyllo dough.

Fats

Phyllo pies are relatively low in fat, with each serving containing around 5 grams of fat from the phyllo dough and any added oil used for baking.

Proteins

Each serving of phyllo pies provides about 2 grams of protein, mainly from the fruit filling.

Vitamins and minerals

Phyllo pies are a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants from the fruit filling. They also contain small amounts of calcium and iron from the phyllo dough.

Alergens

Phyllo pies may contain wheat and gluten from the phyllo dough, as well as potential allergens from the fruit filling. Check ingredients carefully for any allergens before consuming.

Summary

Phyllo pies are a delicious and light dessert option that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in each serving.

Summary

Phyllo pies are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines flaky pastry with a sweet and fruity filling. With a few simple ingredients and some creative variations, you can enjoy these delicious treats any time of day.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Phyllo Pies. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known throughout the neighborhood for her delicious homemade pastries, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her.

As I entered her kitchen, I was greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly baked goods. Maria was standing at the counter, meticulously layering thin sheets of phyllo dough and filling them with a savory mixture of spinach and feta cheese. The delicate pastry looked absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to learn how to make it myself.

Maria welcomed me with a warm smile and invited me to join her at the counter. She explained that Phyllo Pies were a traditional Greek dish that had been passed down through generations in her family. She had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who was known for her culinary skills in the village.

I watched intently as Maria demonstrated each step of the process, from brushing the phyllo dough with melted butter to folding it into the perfect triangle shape. She explained that the key to a successful Phyllo Pie was to work quickly and carefully, so that the delicate dough wouldn't dry out or tear.

After the pies were assembled, Maria popped them into the oven to bake until they were golden brown and crispy. The kitchen was filled with the irresistible smell of buttery pastry and savory filling, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

Finally, the Phyllo Pies were ready, and Maria pulled them out of the oven with a proud smile. She placed them on a platter and invited me to take a taste. The first bite was pure heaven – the flaky crust melted in my mouth, while the flavorful spinach and feta cheese filling danced on my taste buds.

I knew that I had to learn how to make these delicious Phyllo Pies for myself. Maria generously shared her recipe with me, and I eagerly copied it down in my notebook. Over the years, I have made these pies countless times for my family and friends, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

As I look back on that day in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for her generosity and expertise. I am proud to carry on the tradition of making Phyllo Pies, knowing that each batch I bake brings joy and satisfaction to those who enjoy them.

I smile as I think about how far I have come since that fateful day, when I first laid eyes on the recipe for Phyllo Pies. Thanks to Maria's guidance and my own dedication, I have mastered the art of making these delectable pastries, and I look forward to sharing them with many more generations to come. Cooking truly is a gift that keeps on giving, and I am so grateful to have learned this recipe from such a dear friend.