Fur Pie Don't Sell: Try My Spinach "Popeye" Instead
November 23, 2005
Do you like Greek spinach pies? Hate trying to cook with philo dough? So do I. This recipe is a modified version of spinach pies and is made-easy for dinner service. You can premake this pie and freeze it for later. Cooking instructions are different if fresh vs frozen, so pay attention.
You will need: 1 bunch of spinach washed and drained, 1/4 white onion diced, 2 cloves of garlic crushed, 1/2 c of feta crumbles, 1/4 - 1/2 c of chopped italian parsley (flatleafed kind), 1/2 c of parmesan cheese grated, salt, pepper, 4 eggs, 2 Marie Calendar Pie Crusts thawed.
Step One: Cook spinach in a large saute pan with a lid or foil on top on medium low heat until wilted (don't add any water or anything, spinach is still wet from the washing). When done, drain this really well by squeezing the water out of the spinach (this reduces the spinach to about 1 cup worth). Set aside.
Step Two: Finely dice the onion, crushed garlic, and italian parsley. Put ingredients into a large bowl. Add the grated parmesan, feta crumbles, and eggs. Mix these ingredients well, then add the spinach. After ingredients are all well incorporated, pour into one pie crust.
Step Three: Take the other pie crust and cut out the middle. You place this over the prepared spinach pie, sealing the edges. This makes a spinach pot-pie look. You can freeze this (place in a large ziplock bag or wrap in saran wrap and then foil), or cook it.
Baking the Pie: Beat an egg and brush it on top of the pie. If thawed, place into an oven preheated to 375 degrees for about 25 - 35 minutes. The crust should be golden brown. Turn the oven down to Warm (a setting below 200 degrees), leaving the pie to finish off for another 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Serve like a piece of pie.
If you go from freezer to oven, cook at 400 degrees (don't forget to brush on the egg), for 45 minutes, and then turn down to Warm for 20 minutes. Whatever you do, just make sure the pie is golden brown and nice and hot.
