Pites, or Greek savory pies, are a popular main course option in Greece. They come in various flavors and fillings, such as Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), Tiropita (cheese pie), and Kotopita (chicken pie). Pites are made with layers of crispy phyllo pastry filled with a flavorful mixture and baked until golden and delicious.
Ingredients:
Phyllo pastry sheets - 1.1 lb (500g)
Spinach (fresh or frozen) - 1.1 lb (500g)
Feta cheese - 7 oz (200g)
Onion (finely chopped) - 1 medium-sized
Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
Dill (chopped) - 1/4 cup
Eggs - 3 large
Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
Butter (melted) - 1/4 cup
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Thaw the phyllo pastry sheets according to package instructions. If using fresh spinach, wash and blanch it. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
In a large mixing bowl, crumble the feta cheese and add the chopped onion, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Add the spinach to the mixture and mix again.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the beaten eggs to the spinach and cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Brush a baking dish with melted butter. Place one layer of phyllo pastry sheets at the bottom of the dish, making sure the edges hang over the sides. Brush the phyllo sheets with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering the phyllo sheets and butterin
Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets in the baking dish. Top with the remaining phyllo sheets, buttering each layer just as before.
Cut the edges of the phyllo pastry that hang over the sides of the dish. Brush the top of the pie with more melted butter. Use a sharp knife to score the top layer of phyllo pastry into small portions.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving.
Serve the pites warm or at room temperature as a main course. Enjoy the delicious flavors and crispy layers of the Greek savory pie!
Tomatoes, peppers, or other vegetables stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes meat. Baked until tender, Gemista is a delightful vegetarian main course.
Loukaniko is a traditional Greek sausage made with pork, flavored with herbs and spices such as orange peel, fennel seeds, and oregano. It is usually grilled and served as a flavorful appetizer.
Melitzanosalata is a traditional Greek eggplant dip made with roasted or grilled eggplant, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It has a creamy texture and a smoky flavor that pairs well with warm pita bread or as a spread on sandwiches. Melitzanosalata provides a unique and delicious addition to any Greek appetizer spread.
Papoutsakia Santorini is a variation of the traditional papoutsakia dish. It features roasted eggplant halves filled with a mix of ground meat, onions, spices, and topped with a generous layer of cheese and tomato sauce.
Briouat aux amandes are Moroccan almond pastries made with thin pastry dough filled with a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, and orange blossom water. The pastries are typically shaped into triangles, fried until crispy, and dusted with powdered sugar. Briouat aux amandes represent the sweet and delicate flavors of Moroccan pastry, offering a delightful and nutty appetizer or dessert option in the Mediterranean region.
A soft and delicate jelly dessert made from almond milk, agar-agar, and sugar. It has a subtly sweet almond flavor and is often served with fruit or syrup.
Rolls made from bean curd skin, stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and mushrooms, then steamed or braised. They have a soft texture and absorb the flavors of the filling.
A simple and delicate dish made by simmering tofu in a flavorful kombu-based broth. Yudofu is a traditional Buddhist dish in Japan, known for its clean and subtle flavors. It is often enjoyed as a light and nourishing main course.
Northern Thai curry noodle soup made with egg noodles, tender chicken, and a rich coconut curry broth. Khao Soi Gai is garnished with crispy noodles, pickled mustard greens, and shallots, providing a combination of textures and flavors.