Spanakopita

Heat the 1/3 cup oil in a large pan and saute the scallions until soft. Meanwhile, pan the spinach (cook it without adding water, then drain it thoroughly) or salt and rinse it (the latter method is used extensively in Greece, but it not advisable). Squeeze out excess liquid. Add the spinach to scallions and stir in the parsley, dill, and a very little salt and pepper. Cook gently for 10 minutes, then cool. (This much can be done in advance and stored in the refrigerator). Using a wooden spoon, stir in the feta and eggs. Butter a 9 x 12 x 3-inch baking pan and in it spread 6 filo sheets, brushing each with melted butter. Pour in the spinach filling, then cover with the remaining filo sheets (buttering each as before). Tuck the top filo over the bottom and flute the edges. Score the top 3 filo sheets into square or diamond shapes. Bake in a moderate oven (350 F) for 40 minutes, or until crisp and a golden chestnut color. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes before cutting. Serve warm. Note: Some of the favorite variations: Use some nutmeg, or substitute mint for the dill; use grated cheese instead of feta (be discreet with the salt if the cheese is salty); add a small handful of raw long-grain white rice to the filling. You will surely invent your own flavor combinations which is why spanakopita is so great. From: ‘The Food of Greece’ by Vilma Liacouras Chantiles. Avenel Books, New York. Typed for you by Karen Mintzias —– Archive January 2010 December 2009 July 2009 June 2009 April 2009 March 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008