With flaky pastry and a savory filling, Spinach and Leek Pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Greek cuisine to your home. This traditional recipe combines the earthy flavors of spinach and the mild sweetness of leeks, all enveloped in a golden crust. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this pie is a versatile and delightful addition to any meal. Let’s dive in and create this delicious Greek-inspired dish right in your own kitchen.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 2 leeks, sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 3 eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pinch of nutmeg
– Optional: sesame seeds for topping
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced leeks, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for flavor.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the spinach and leek mixture to cool slightly.
6. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until well combined. Add in the crumbled feta cheese and mix until evenly distributed.
7. Once the spinach and leek mixture has cooled, fold it into the egg and feta mixture, creating a cohesive filling.
8. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface into a rectangular shape that fits your baking sheet.
9. Carefully transfer the pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
10. Spread the spinach and leek filling evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a border around the edges.
11. Gently fold the edges of the pastry inward to form a crust, crimping slightly to seal.
12. Optional: Brush the pastry crust with a little beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture.
13. Bake the Spinach and Leek Pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
Enjoy this delightful Spinach and Leek Pie warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a fresh salad or as part of a meze-style spread. The contrast of the crispy crust with the creamy, flavorful filling is sure to please your taste buds and transport you to the sunny shores of Greece with every bite. Experiment with different herbs or cheeses to customize this recipe to your liking and make it a staple in your Mediterranean-inspired culinary repertoire.
