Spinach-Pie

Spinach-Pie Recipe from New England with Onion, Garlic, and Ricotta Cheese

Region / culture: New England | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spinach pie is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of spinach with creamy ricotta cheese, all wrapped in a flaky crescent roll crust.

History

Spinach pie, also known as spanakopita, is a traditional Greek dish that dates back centuries. It is typically made with layers of phyllo dough filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic dish by using crescent roll dough for a quick and easy preparation.

Ingredients

0.5 large white onion
1 clove garlic
2 (16 oz (454 g)) bags frozen spinach
3-4 cans crescent roll dough
1 tbsp butter
1.5 cups water
olive oil (optional)
2 containers ricotta cheese

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a casserole dish with 1 tbsp of butter.
3. Chop the onions and garlic into small to medium pieces and sauté them in the remaining butter or olive oil.
4. Once the onions are transparent and the garlic is lightly browned, add the bags of frozen spinach.
5. While the spinach is steaming with the onions and garlic, open the crescent roll dough tubes.
6. Smooth together the serrated edges of the dough and cover the bottom and sides of the casserole dish.
7. Puncture the dough with a fork and bake until golden brown.
8. Once the crust is out of the oven, press it down with a clean dish towel until flat.
9. Stir the spinach and ricotta cheese together in a large bowl and add it into the casserole dish.
10. Use the remaining crescent roll dough to cover the top of the casserole dish.
11. Make small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
12. Bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, or until a knife or fork comes out clean.
13. Let it cool for 10 minutes and enjoy!

Variations

Add crumbled feta cheese to the spinach mixture for a tangy flavor.
Substitute the crescent roll dough with phyllo dough for a more traditional spinakopita.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly drain the frozen spinach before adding it to the dish to prevent excess moisture.

- You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or cooked chicken.

- For a crispy crust, brush the top of the pie with melted butter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spinach pie with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the spinach helps to enhance their flavors.

- Pressing down the crust after baking ensures a flat surface for the filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen, just be sure to cook it down before adding it to the dish.

- Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spinach pie up to a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the spinach pie with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the spinach pie with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of spinach pie contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of spinach pie contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of spinach pie contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of spinach pie contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Spinach pie is a nutritious dish that is high in vitamins and minerals, while also providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Spinach pie is a versatile and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this delicious meal any day of the week.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon when I stumbled upon an old cookbook at a yard sale. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Spinach Pie caught my eye. The ingredients were simple and the instructions seemed easy enough to follow. I decided to give it a try and little did I know, it would become one of my signature dishes.

I gathered the ingredients - fresh spinach, feta cheese, eggs, and phyllo dough - and got to work. As I chopped the spinach and crumbled the feta, memories of my childhood flooded back. I remembered watching my own grandmother in the kitchen, her hands expertly working the dough and creating delicious meals for our family. I had always admired her cooking skills and now, I was determined to follow in her footsteps.

As I assembled the pie, layering the spinach and cheese between sheets of phyllo dough, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This recipe was not just about food, it was about tradition and family. I knew that with each bite, I was passing down a piece of my heritage to future generations.

When the pie finally came out of the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had created something special. I shared it with my family and friends, who raved about its delicious taste and flaky crust. From that moment on, Spinach Pie became a staple at every gathering and celebration.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twist here and there. Sometimes I substitute the feta cheese for ricotta, or add a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor. Each time I make the pie, I am reminded of the joy it brings to those who taste it. Food has a way of connecting us to our past and creating new memories for the future.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my grandchildren, I can't help but smile as they devour the Spinach Pie with gusto. They ask me how I learned to make such a delicious dish and I tell them the story of that rainy Saturday afternoon, when I stumbled upon a recipe that would change my life forever.

I may have acquired this recipe from a cookbook, but its true origins lie in the love and tradition that has been passed down through generations. Cooking is not just about following instructions, it's about creating something that nourishes the soul and brings people together.

So as I continue to make Spinach Pie for my family and friends, I know that I am carrying on a legacy that will live on long after I am gone. And that, to me, is the true beauty of cooking - the ability to create lasting memories and connections through the simple act of sharing a meal.