Spinach and Feta Pastry Pockets: A Classic and Delicious Recipe
Spinach and feta pastry pockets, also known as spanakopita, are a beloved Greek appetizer or main course. These savory pastries are filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and other aromatic ingredients, wrapped in flaky puff pastry, and baked to golden perfection. This classic recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great option for both experienced and novice cooks.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 15-20 minutes Total Time: 45-50 minutes Servings: 12-16
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, combine the thawed spinach, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll out pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Cut squares: Cut the rolled-out pastry into squares of your desired size.
- Fill pastries: Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold and seal: Fold the corners of the squares over the filling to form triangles. Crimp the edges together to seal the pastries tightly.
- Egg wash: Gently coat the tops of the pastries with a thin layer of beaten egg.
- Bake: Put the pastries on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries reach a golden brown and puffed-up state.
- Serve: Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Tips and Variations
- Fresh spinach: For a more intense flavor, you can substitute frozen spinach with fresh spinach. However, make sure to blanch and squeeze the fresh spinach to remove excess moisture.
- Other cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses to add variety to your spinach and feta pastries. Goat cheese, ricotta cheese, or Gruyère cheese can all be excellent substitutes or additions.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped onions, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes.
- Make ahead: Spinach and feta pastries can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply reheat them in a preheated oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Serving suggestions: These pastries can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course. They pair well with salads, soups, or a simple Greek salad.
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