Description
This Lebanese Spinach Pie recipe features a flavorful filling of sautéed spinach, onions, and warm spices wrapped in crispy, golden phyllo dough triangles. These savory pies are perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, boasting a delightful combination of tender spinach and aromatic cinnamon with a refreshing hint of lemon.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Dough & Assembly
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 1/2 cup water (for sealing)
- Additional olive oil for brushing phyllo dough layers
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook them until they become translucent, around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook Spinach and Season: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the pan along with salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Stir and cook the mixture until the spinach has wilted and moisture has mostly evaporated, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into the cooked spinach mixture, then remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Prepare Phyllo Dough: Lay out the phyllo dough sheets and brush each sheet lightly with olive oil to prevent drying and help crispiness once baked. Stack a few sheets together as needed.
- Fill and Fold Triangles: Cut the brushed phyllo sheets into strips. Place a spoonful of the spinach filling at one end of each strip. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle shape, continuing to fold the triangle over itself until you reach the end of the strip. Seal the edges with a little water to keep the pies intact during baking.
- Bake the Pies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the folded triangles on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Be gentle with the phyllo dough as it is delicate and can dry out quickly; keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel while assembling.
- You can add feta cheese into the spinach filling for a richer flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of yogurt or fresh salad.
- These pies can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; reheat in the oven before serving for best texture.
