Turkish Spanakopita Recipe

Are you ready to embark on a delectable culinary journey to the vibrant and flavorful world of Turkish cuisine? If you’re a fan of savory pastries and delectable greens, you’re in for a treat! Our Turkish Spanakopita recipe is a delightful fusion of flaky pastry and a hearty spinach and feta filling, spiced with traditional Turkish flavors. Whether you’re planning a special dinner ️ or looking for a unique appetizer to impress your guests at your next gathering , this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Turkish Spanakopita Recipe Ingredients

To make this Turkish Spanakopita Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 package of phyllo dough (16 sheets), thawed
500g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
200g feta cheese, crumbled
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
️ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or melted butter for brushing

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Begin your culinary adventure by heating up a splash of olive oil in a large skillet. Once it’s sizzling, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic . Let them sizzle and dance until they become wonderfully translucent and aromatic. Your kitchen will be filled with enticing scents!

2. Add Spinach and Greens

Time to introduce the star of the show – the fresh spinach ! Throw it into the skillet and watch it gracefully wilt as it absorbs the flavors of the onions and garlic. In just 2-3 minutes, the spinach will turn tender and release its vibrant green essence.

3. Seasoning Magic

Now, let’s elevate the flavors to the next level. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of ground cumin ️, which adds a warm, earthy note, and a teaspoon of paprika for a gentle kick. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and a twist of pepper ️ to awaken all the flavors. Stir it all together until your filling is a symphony of colors and aromas.

4. Combine with Creamy Feta

Remove the skillet from the heat, and in goes the crumbled feta cheese ! Gently fold it into the spinach mixture, creating a creamy, tangy filling that harmonizes perfectly with the savory greens. Allow the mixture to cool while you prepare the phyllo dough.

5. Prepare Phyllo Dough

As your filling cools, let’s work some magic with the phyllo dough. Preheat your oven to a toasty 180°C (350°F). Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough and give it a tender brush with melted butter or a spritz of cooking spray. Now, place another sheet on top and repeat this layering dance until you have a stack of 8 layers. This ensures a gloriously crispy and flaky crust for your spanakopita!

6. Fill and Roll

Cut your layered phyllo sheets into equally sized squares. Nestle a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture lovingly in the center of each square. Now, let’s get creative! Fold the squares into triangles, sealing the edges with a generous brush of butter or a loving mist of cooking spray. This step not only creates the iconic spanakopita shape but also locks in the flavors and textures.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Gently arrange your stuffed triangles on a baking sheet, and with a dash of anticipation, place them into the preheated oven. It’s time for the magic to happen! Bake them for 25-30 minutes or until they turn a dazzling golden brown and become enchantingly crispy.

How to Prepare ️

Turkish Spanakopita Recipe is a delightful dish that rewards attention to detail. Here’s how to ensure your spanakopita is a mouthwatering masterpiece:

Step 1: Sautéing the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.

Step 2: Adding the Spinach and Greens

Toss in fresh spinach and cook until wilted and moisture evaporates, around 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Seasoning the Filling

Season with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 4: Combining with Creamy Feta

Remove from heat and fold in crumbled feta cheese. This adds a delightful creaminess to the filling.

Step 5: Preparing the Phyllo Dough

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and layer phyllo dough sheets with butter or cooking spray.

Step 6: Filling and Rolling

Cut into squares, add the filling, and fold into triangles, sealing with butter or cooking spray.

Step 7: Baking to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and crispy, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Preparation Time ⏱️

On average, it takes about 45 minutes to prepare the filling, assemble the pastries, and bake them to perfection. This recipe yields about 16 delicious spanakopita triangles, making it a great choice for gatherings and parties.

Nutritional Values (per serving)

Calories: 160
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 260mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 5g

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and portion sizes.

Storage Conditions ️

To keep your Turkish Spanakopita Recipe fresh and delightful:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover spanakopita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Spanakopita freezes well. Place the pastries in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen spanakopita, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Turkish Spanakopita Recipe FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! You can substitute frozen spinach for fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using it in the recipe.

Q2: Can I make the filling ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before assembling the spanakopita.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: While feta is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese for a different flavor profile.

Q4: Can I make smaller appetizer-sized spanakopita?

A: Certainly! Cut the phyllo dough into smaller squares to make delightful bite-sized spanakopita for appetizers or snacks.

Q5: Can I use a different spice blend?

A: Absolutely! Turkish cuisine offers a wide range of spices. Feel free to customize the spices to your liking, incorporating flavors like oregano and dill.

Q6: Can I use store-bought phyllo dough?

A: Yes, store-bought phyllo dough works perfectly fine and saves you time. Just remember to thaw it according to the package instructions.

Q7: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, you can make a vegan version by using dairy-free feta and brushing the phyllo dough with olive oil instead of butter.

In conclusion, Turkish Spanakopita Recipe is a delightful dish that combines the flakiness of phyllo dough with the earthy goodness of spinach and the creaminess of feta cheese. With its rich flavors and crispy texture, it’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. Whether you’re new to Turkish cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and savor the delectable taste of homemade Turkish Spanakopita Recipe. Enjoy!