Let’s explore the flavors of the Mediterranean with a mouthwatering recipe for spinach and feta triangles, also known as spanakopita.
This Greek delight combines the earthy richness of spinach, the tanginess of feta cheese, and the delicate crispness of phyllo pastry.
I will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating these delectable triangles that are perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a delightful snack. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets behind this delightful recipe!
The foundation of these delicious spinach and feta triangles lies in a mixture of fresh spinach, herbs, onions, garlic, and feta cheese.
To begin, raid your kitchen for the following ingredients:
- Approximately 8 sheets of Phyllo pastry
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (divided)
- Fresh spinach leaves (approximately 10 ounces)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cooking onion
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of dried dill
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onion
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 lightly beaten egg
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Let me now show you how easy it is to impress your friends and family!
- In a pan set over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Removed from pan and set the spinach aside to cool.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the finely chopped cooking onion until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, dried dill, dried basil, finely chopped green onion and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
- Using a kitchen towel, take the cooled spinach and wrap it tightly, twisting to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Finely chop the spinach and combine it with the cooked onions and spices in a bowl. Add the crumbled feta cheese and lightly beaten egg. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring they are well combined.
Now that we have our delicious filling ready, it’s time to create the iconic triangular shape of the spanakopita.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Phyllo pastry sheets (around 8-10 sheets)
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
Before working with the phyllo pastry, it’s important to keep it from drying out. To prevent this, cover the sheets you’re not currently using with a damp towel.
- Start by laying out one sheet of phyllo pastry and lightly brushing it with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and cut the phyllo lengthwise twice, creating three strips.
- Take one strip and place a tablespoon of the spinach and feta mixture at one end. Fold the pastry over the filling, creating a triangle shape. Continue folding the pastry in a triangular manner until you reach the end.
- Brush a little bit of butter on the end piece to seal the triangle. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
With our spinach and feta triangles expertly assembled, it’s time to bring them to life in the oven.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the triangles on the baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the triangles turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Once they are ready, allow them to cool slightly before serving.
For an authentic Greek experience, consider serving the spinach and feta triangles with a side of my homemade tzatziki sauce, adding a refreshing and tangy complement to the savory flavors of the dish.
This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors, combining the vibrant freshness of spinach, the tanginess of feta cheese, and the flaky goodness of phyllo pastry.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delightful snack, these spanakopita triangles are sure to satisfy.
If you love Greek Spanakopita, you have to try my Turkish Potato and Cheese Borek recipe that is also made with Phyllo pastry!
So, grab a glass of wine, embrace the Mediterranean spirit, and enjoy these irresistible treats bursting with Greek flavors! Happy cooking!
Easy Spinach and Feta Triangles (Spanakopita)
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 10 sheets Phyllo pastry
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
Filling
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup cooking onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp dill dried or fresh
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 egg lightly beaten
Instructions
Filling
- In a pan set over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove from pan and set the spinach aside to cool.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the finely chopped cooking onion until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, dried dill, dried basil, finely chopped green onion and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
- Using a kitchen towel, take the cooled spinach and wrap it tightly, twisting to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Finely chop the spinach and combine it with the cooked onions and spices in a bowl. Add the crumbled feta cheese and lightly beaten egg. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring they are well combined.
Triangle Assembly
- Start by laying out one sheet of phyllo pastry and lightly brushing it with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and cut the phyllo lengthwise twice, creating three strips.
- Take one strip and place a tablespoon of the spinach and feta mixture at one end. Fold the pastry over the filling, creating a triangle shape. Continue folding the pastry in a triangular manner until you reach the end.
- Brush a little bit of butter on the end piece to seal the triangle. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
Baking the Spanakopita
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the triangles on the baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the triangles turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Once they are ready, allow them to cool slightly before serving. Try serving with Tzatziki dip!