Monday, September 26, 2011

Moosewood's Spanakopita



Spanakopita: spinach, cheese, and filo dough flakiness. I love it. It's the kind of thing I could eat for lunch and dinner- on the very same day. If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life, spinach pie would be in the running. I think you get the picture. I'm pretty serious about this dish. I've made spanakopita  (Greek spinach pie) many times before and I thought my go-to recipe was really good. That is, before I tasted this Moosewood recipe, which is pretty much perfect.
The first time I had this Moosewood version was at a going-away party some friends threw for us right before we left Brooklyn. The gathering took place in a penthouse apartment overlooking Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park. The views were spectacular and you could see the city skyline and the harbor from the roof deck. There were lots of friends sharing stories and yes, I shed a few tears that night. It was a wonderful way to spend the evening- and it was bittersweet to be leaving such great people, but also really exciting to be relocating and trying something new in Denver, Colorado.

The food at the party was incredible. There was pasta, cheese plates, salads and our friend Beth made this spinach pie. The meal was capped off with an amazing devil's food cake soaked with salted caramel, layered with whipped chocolate ganache and frosted with a classic French buttercream (holy delicious!) made by friend Kathryn of Cooking Inside the Box. But I'm not really a baker so I knew there was no way I was going to be able to replicate the perfection of the aforementioned cake.  I was confident, however, that I could make the spinach pie, so I asked for the recipe.


This pie is not hard to make, but chopping 2 1/2 pounds of spinach does take some time. In the interest of full disclosure I will tell you that I now routinely use frozen organic spinach in this recipe.

You can buy good quality frozen filo dough (phyllo dough) at most supermarkets in the frozen section near the pastry shells- just don't forget to take it out of the freezer when you start prepping. It must be completely thawed otherwise it will break and flake and, well, just become a mess. You want the sheets to be malleable and intact.  

This dish can be made a day or two in advance. Keep it uncooked, covered and refrigerated until you want to serve it. Then put it in the oven, uncovered, and cook for 45 minutes.


Enjoy this recipe. And trust me, this spanakopita is worthy of the (Greek) Gods...



Spanakopita
(Courtesy of The Moosewood Cookbook, adapted ever-so-slightly)
Yields: About 8 servings
Filling:
2 Tbs olive oil 
2 cups minced onion
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
2.5 lbs fresh spinach, stemmed and finely chopped (or 2.5 lbs frozen organic spinach)
5 medium cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbs flour
2 to 3 cups (packed) crumbled feta cheese (about 1 lb)
1 1/4 cup cottage or pot cheese
Black pepper, to taste
1/3 to 1/2 cup olive oil, for the filo
1 lb filo pastry leaves (approx. 20 leaves) -- thoroughly defrosted 

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 F. Oil a 9 by 13 inch baking pan.

Heat 1 Tbs olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add onion, salt, and herbs, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion softens. Add spinach, turn up the heat, and cook, stirring, until the spinach wilts (5 to 8 minutes). Stir in the garlic.
Sprinkle in the flour, stir, and cook over medium heat 2 to 3 more minutes. Remove from heat.

Mix in the cheeses. Taste to correct seasonings, adding lots of black pepper (and some salt).

Place a sheet of filo in the oiled pan, letting the pastry edges climb up the sides. Brush lightly with oil, and add another sheet. Keep going until you have a pile of 8 oiled sheets. Add half the filling, spreading it to the edges, then repeat with 8 more sheets of oiled filo, followed by the remaining filling. Layer the rest of the filo over the filling, brushing oil in between. Oil the top, tuck in the edges, and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until golden and crispy (sometimes it's been closer to an hour). Cut into squares and serve hot or warm. 

Follow Me on Pinterest

114 comments:

  1. Spanakopita is one of my favourite things! I love making a whole batch and keeping them in the freezer for lunches or picnics :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right?! I love spanakopita. It's the best! I just saw a Middle-Eastern version in a new cookbook I got...I will definitely be trying that in 2013!

      Delete
  2. Alissa, this really is the best one I've made. Moosewood knows Spanakopita! Happy cooking.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This really is the best spanakopita out there, and it doesn't have dill- so many do have the dill and as far as I can recollect, tha herb should only be in tzatziki sauce served on the side. Thanks for posting this recipe! I'll be making it again and again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you liked it Valia. True about the dill :)

      Delete
  4. My sister and I still talk about Moosewood's Spanikopita. We also could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For another winning Moosewood recipe in the same book, go to Mushroom Moussaka (sp?) .... more Greek soulfood. I highly suggest you try it. Joan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment, Joan. I will be sure to check out the Mushroom Moussaka (I spell it that way too). Sounds delicious. Greek soulfood is the best! And it's hard to go wrong with Moosewood anything. Happy New Year!

      Delete
  5. I googled 'spanakopita' and your post came up. I was able to tell on the spot that it was very close to the authentic dish my mother-in-law made. I made it this past weekend and it was FABULOUS! DELICIOUS! I agree with Joan-- the mushroom moussaka recipe from Moosewood is equally worth of the Greek Gods.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment, Paulina. It looks like I'm about 4 months late in responding. Isn't this the greatest recipe. Thank you for suggesting the mushroom moussaka. I'm going to be making it for a post I am doing about the Greek Festival in Denver which takes place next month. Opa!

      Delete
  6. Thank You for posting, but it's not the original Mousewood recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I use this recipe, except I use melted butter instead of oil (tastes WAY better) and I put a couple eggs in the spinach and cheese mixture. Also, score the top of the phyllo after you've assembled it and before baking. Make cutting portions so much easier.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, scoring the top is a great idea. I will try the recipe with butter and eggs too. Thanks for your comment :)

      Delete
  8. This is quite different from the original Moosewood recipe, which brushes with butter instead of oil and has 5 eggs. Maybe it's based in the reissued, lower fat Moosewood? I found this version to be underdone after 40 minutes of baking (in between the recipe's 45 minutes and the revised 35 minute suggestion). Worse, the filling was very runny, which after so much work was sad to see. Do allow at least 10 minutes for this to set before cutting. I would also add eggs to the filling to hold it together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Does anyone have the original recipe? I can't find it! It called for a pound of butter and said, "Do not skimp on the butter" !!! It was so good.

      Delete
  9. Shannondodgesf -- You are so right! I haven't made this recipe in over 20 years. Went shopping and bought a dozen eggs thinking the recipe called for eggs. The butter and eggs would make it better. Also cooked for 55 minutes and still very runny. Big disappointment after all the work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you need to drain the spinach after it cooks down quite a bit. also, i always add a few pinches of flour to help soak up the moisture

      Delete
  10. I added 2 eggs to the spinach after it cooled a bit. I used frozen spinach. Gently squeeze the thawed spinach to remove some moisture. I omitted the basil and oregano. The spanikopita was well-recieved at Thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
  11. the original recipe in the first edition of the cookbook used butter for the phyllo, not oil. i've made both and there is a huge difference- use butter, not oil, and you will get a much, much better result.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would suggest omitting the garlic and adding dill weed - about 4 T

    outstanding!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have recently discovered exactly what I had been looking for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. เล่นบาคาร่าคลิกที่นี่

    ReplyDelete
  14. I went to this website and I believe you have a lot of great information รีวิวการเล่นสล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  15. เว็บพนันออนไลน์ที่นิยมที่สุด มาตรฐานระดับสากล บริการตลอด 24 ชม.>>> UFABET ทางเข้า >> แทงบาคาร่า >> แทงบอลสเต็ป

    ReplyDelete
  16. Is the best article I appreciate you sharing this much useful information.รีวิวสล็อต 777

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your article is very helpful. I'm just looking for knowledge Thank you for sharing good things.เทคนิคแทงบอลให้ได้เงิน

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is news that is worth studying later.เว็บวิเคราะห์บอล I am always searching online for storys that can accommodate me ทีเด็ดฟุดบอลวันนี้

    ReplyDelete
  19. I've read this article and I have to say it's very easy to read. give me a doubt. สายพันธุ์ไก่ชน Thank you, author of the article.บล๊อคข่าวฟุตบอลวันนี้

    ReplyDelete
  20. I really like this article. I came to read this article because my friend recommended it.but i love this content more than i expect.

    ผลบอลสด7m

    I would like to read your article more.
    ข่าวฟุตบอลสดออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  21. If you are trendy Like to update and find new games to make a profit before anyone else. Don't miss out on Speed Winner, a racing themed slot game that gives you a real racing experience. With the thrilling sound of a Los Angeles racetrack brought to your screen. amb

    ReplyDelete
  22. If you are hesitating about the best slot games to start with? We recommend that you try to play in this camp because every PG Slot Camp game It is often the gambling game that can make the most money for the players. Whether you have ever played online slots games or not. or never played You can also make a profit from the PG slot game camp. สล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  23. And this is forbidden for playing gambling games like online slots games and is something that should be learned before starting the game and for those who already know and accidentally act, you can start over and control your mind and emotions. You can also give yourself a chance to play betting games. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  24. Depositing - withdrawing money with the automatic system is easy. You can do it via your mobile phone at any time. no fee and can deposit and withdraw by yourself Without having to go through middlemen, easy to use, fast, safe because our website provides the best online slots games. บาคาร่า ออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  25. If talking about the value of Thailand's leading online slot games It must be said that the Jackergame website because we have developed the system and the game to be up-to-date all the time, including up to the present. Online slots players can access fun and exciting games. Simply enter through Jackergame's login with your favorite browser, whether it's Googl. ambbet

    ReplyDelete
  26. online slots game camp that is the hottest at the moment with a modern game format. Make pictures out in 3D format and have the features of the game that are different from other game camps and the important thing that the camp has developed another part that is to support and display in Thai amb

    ReplyDelete
  27. Really appreciate you sharing this article post.Thanks Again. Keep writing. ผลบอลสด

    ReplyDelete
  28. Exciting online earning site We would like to be a part of the success of all gamblers. บาคาร่า ออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  29. choosing to bet on. together a lot because at present can make money from Online slots games are very good, which at pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  30. In can make money from playing easier. Save more playing time with only various functions coming in บาคาร่า

    ReplyDelete
  31. Slots also allow you to enjoy gaming, having fun and playing well. Or placing it near your desk can help you do your job well. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  32. The website does not go through middlemen. The bonus is full of satisfaction. Easy to play, quick money ambbet

    ReplyDelete
  33. web promotion service many waiting for you PG SLOT Get a chance to play online games with our website PG168.LI, a web collecting special promotions that support everyone to play.

    ReplyDelete
  34. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  35. https://sparrowsandspatulas.blogspot.com/2011/09/moosewoods-spanakopita.html?sc=1656313114130#c1677973818184877892

    ReplyDelete
  36. Your chance has arrived because the TALISMAN slot game will make it easy for players to become a monk. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  37. You can play them all, or you can try them out on PS4 with NINTENDO SWITCH. PG SLOT has a staff to answer and provide good service 24 hours a day. ambbet

    ReplyDelete
  38. PGSLOT is a new online game. That breaks the old style of online slots games Welcome pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  39. You then study how to play the basics, it will allow you to learn the different parts already there. Making money will not be superslot เครดิตฟรี

    ReplyDelete
  40. Top online slots game websites which is the center of online games, we joker123 Welcome ambbet

    ReplyDelete
  41. You will get a lot of profit from playing. quite symbolic simple and easy on the eyes Make it less stressful to play if you can. สมัครสมาชิกสล็อต pg

    ReplyDelete
  42. we are service provider Application makes playing your online games easier and more convenient. ข่าวบอลล่าสุด

    ReplyDelete
  43. And if you come to practice playing slots, you need to make a deposit. than to play บาคา

    ReplyDelete
  44. Many professional gamblers, many countries, but now we have raised the casino. Welcome amb

    ReplyDelete
  45. Our website is ready to provide services that meet the needs of the players as much as possible. สมัครสมาชิกสล็อต pg

    ReplyDelete
  46. สล็อต pg เว็บเปิดใหม่2022 ฝากถอนไม่จำกัดขั้นต่ำ เริ่มต้นปั่นสล็อต 1 บาท
    สล็อต pg เว็บตรงที่ดีที่สุด

    ReplyDelete
  47. Therefore, it is known as the largest betting website. that you can combine to create fun Easy-to-break slot games pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  48. Automated security management, fast deposits and withdrawals.
    has developed a system to meet the needs of customers quickly สล็อตxo

    ReplyDelete
  49. believe that many You probably want to know which games are available. Let's have a look. sexybacarat

    ReplyDelete
  50. A lot. Try to play slots. No limit. The important thing is that this is a website that the master recommends. A good slot website 2022 that must be played only. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  51. Watch live football, watch football online, watch TV online Today's football schedule live schedule football live program ข่าวบอล

    ReplyDelete
  52. Don't have to go out to work to be tired. You just stay at home or in the car. Wherever you are, you can play. slotxo

    ReplyDelete
  53. I like your article very much. Can you recommend writing articles for me? รีวิวThe Matrix 4 Resurrection thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
  54. will give us an exciting feeling When we press to spin the slot in this game.welcome สล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  55. With and most importantly, you also get the value from this website for sure. If you choose a quality website, it must be a website. We have all complete games for betting games. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  56. If any gambler is looking for slots bonuses to bet on slots games, I can tell you that. สล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  57. Free credits. Introducing ways to rock money online games. Easy, not complicated. You can do it by playing the game in the form of a body. สล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  58. Play free online slots without deposit Jackpot is easy to break, full bonus welcome pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  59. freelance online that anyone can negotiate Only then you have the money to visit the press... pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  60. The pattern of playing cards with consecutive wins on either side in pairs, alternating with each other. สล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  61. Choose the slot game that gives you the most luck, many people often think that playing slots to get money is the same no matter ดูบอลสด

    ReplyDelete
  62. that supports all versions of play Different from other slots games Magnificent 3D graphics slotxo

    ReplyDelete
  63. Correctly, some people cannot manage stakes. This lack of skill sometimes leads players to waste money on reckless gambling. and had to sit back and regret it later ผลบอลสด

    ReplyDelete
  64. Slots just Slotxo to play online games. You enter online Slots just Slotxo to play online games. You enter online ดูบอลออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  65. PgSlot is an interesting game. And as the best source of income is a very modern game camp. ถ่ายทอดสดบอลวันนี้

    ReplyDelete
  66. thousands that can be played easily Just choose a safe source of money. Along with paying heavily and pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  67. most importantly, you will get happiness from making the prize money as well. Every superslot website, each person's luck is pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  68. Come and attack us as well. When we are ambushed by an enemy, a red arrow will appear indicating which direction the enemy is coming from. Allows you to evade enemy bullets. without which pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  69. Turn you into a millionaire overnight. Direct website. 100% bonus. Unlimited withdrawals. Slots. slotxo

    ReplyDelete
  70. You will be able to experience the fun, deposit-withdraw, True Wallet, ensuring that everyone will like it ดูบอลสด

    ReplyDelete
  71. Because there are many games to choose from, many games, which are considered to include all camps. superslot

    ReplyDelete
  72. Buy Free Spins Now without having to wait for the opportunity from pressing the spin itself This is a very interesting feature and is not present in every slot game. สล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  73. For members with low budget, only 1 baht can play. How much can you play? Withdraw immediately. Withdraw up to 500,000 baht per bill. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  74. Ballnaja.com, watch live football, watch football online, gather information on hot, fresh sports news, football news, latest football news for Kobo. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  75. Leading game publisher RED TIGER is one of the world's largest gaming network. that was developed to meet the needs of use pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  76. The win multiplier is increased by 2 for each wild symbol before the winnings are paid. pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  77. you can hit the jackpot slots 24 hours a day. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  78. Good service 24 hours. Just apply for membership with AMBBET.BAR, you will be able to play games. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  79. Play more than 10,000 games, it can be said that there are games in the universe for you to choose freely. For anyone who likes to play this kind of game. able to play together pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  80. If you don't want to miss this great opportunity, just apply for membership.welcome pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  81. The process for entering bets, login is easy, press Apply for pg slot in a few steps. You can get the most fun. สล็อตออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  82. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  83. https://simplesavingsforatlmoms.net/nurses-week-may-6-12-2020/comment-page-52/#comment-3598603

    ReplyDelete
  84. I personally think that is the greatest blogger
    And I wanna following you anyway การ์ตูน มา ร์ เว ล

    ReplyDelete
  85. I think this is the best article that I never seen before and I personally think it give me many profit สล็อตpgเว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  86. 123dd
    Online 24 hours, the service is definitely impressive. Answer quickly, withdraw quickly, apply

    ReplyDelete