Splendid Spanakopita

October 31, 2017

Know to us as spinach pie, spanakopita is a light and delicious way for us to get our antioxidant-rich greens. My version uses arugula, but you can go with traditional spinach or switch it up with the greens you like best, from kale to bok choy.

Makes about 20 spanakopita

Ingredient List:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ small red onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • Sea salt
  • 15-20 cremini mushrooms, brushed free of dirt, coarsely chopped
  • Scant pinch ground nutmeg
  • 2 sprigs fresh basil, leaves removed, finely shredded
  • 4 cups arugula, rinsed well, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups Tofu Cheese, coarsely crumbled
  • 1 package phyllo dough, thawed in the refrigerator for several hours before use
  • 1/2 cup (approx) ground almond meal or whole wheat bread crumbs
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Step By Step Instructions:

Place oil, onion and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. When the onions begin to sizzle, add a pinch of salt and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, a pinch of salt and nutmeg and sauté until mushrooms are beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Turn off heat, stir in arugula and tofu cheese and season lightly with salt. Transfer to a bowl to cool and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a dry, flat work surface, remove the sheets of phyllo, cut them in half lengthwise and lay them flat. Cover the phyllo with a damp towel while you work (so it doesn’t stiffen). Using one half sheet at a time, brush phyllo lightly with oil and sprinkle with ground almonds. Lay another half sheet on top, brush with oil and sprinkle almonds. Lay a third half sheet on top and brush with oil, but with no almonds. Place about ¼-cup of the arugula mixture in one corner of the phyllo layers, fold the other corner over the mixture, forming an angular shape. Continue to fold over on an angle, creating a pastry triangle around the arugula. Place on lined baking sheet and repeat until all the filling is used. Brush each triangle lightly with oil and bake until golden brown and crispy, about 20 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Cook’s Tip: Any un-used phyllo can be tightly wrapped and kept in the refrigerator for future use. It will keep for several weeks. Do not re-freeze.