Spanakopita Triangles
Recipe Introduction: Spanakopita Triangles!
Ever get a craving for something crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavour? this recipe for spanakopita triangles is exactly what you need.
We're talking mediterranean recipes at their finest, friends. these aren't your average pastries; get ready for an experience.
Spanakopita hails from Greece, where it's enjoyed as a savoury pie for centuries. This recipe simplifies the classic into easy-to-handle, delicious triangles. It takes about an hour. You'll get around 20 triangles.
Taste the Mediterranean Sun
These little triangles are a party in your mouth! the combination of salty feta, earthy spinach, and flaky phyllo dough is truly divine.
These spanakopita triangles are perfect as an appetizer for your next gathering. honestly, they make a delightful snack, too.
Why You'll Love These
They're packed with nutrients! spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making these triangles a surprisingly healthy treat.
If you need an easy healthy salad recipes for dinner option to go with, look no further! plus, who can resist anything wrapped in buttery, flaky phyllo dough? this recipe brings the taste of a proper mediterranean summer salad straight to your kitchen.
Right, let's get to the good stuff and talk ingredients.
Alright, let's chat about getting ready to make some amazing spanakopita triangles. these little spinach and feta bites are seriously addictive.
So, before we dive in, let's make sure we have all the right stuff. think of it as gearing up for a delicious adventure.
This is the perfect dish to add to your collection of easy mediterranean recipes .
Gather Your Gear: Ingredients & Equipment
Honestly, this part's pretty straightforward. No need to stress!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Okay, here's the shopping list, broken down for ya:
For the Filling:
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Use good quality.
- Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup) (150g). Yellow or white works.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best!
- Spinach: 1 pound fresh, chopped (450g) OR 10 ounces frozen, thawed and squeezed dry (283g). Frozen is just so darn convenient, isn't it?
- Parsley: 1/2 cup chopped fresh (120 ml). Adds brightness!
- Dill: 1/4 cup chopped fresh (60 ml). Don't skip this, it's key!
- Feta Cheese: 4 ounces , crumbled (115g). Get good quality feta.
- Eggs: 2 large , lightly beaten.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated (25g). Optional, but adds a nice nutty flavour.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Freshly squeezed is the bomb!
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Nutmeg: Pinch. Just a touch, trust me.
For the Phyllo Assembly:
- Phyllo Dough: 1 pound , thawed (450g). This is the delicate stuff!
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup , melted (115g). About 1 stick. Butter makes everything better.
When it comes to the feta, aim for a greek feta packed in brine. it's creamier and has a tangier flavour than the pre-crumbled stuff.
It'll make a world of difference, i promise. also, always make sure you have a solid mediterranean diet main dish recipes
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up, Buttercup
Let's talk flavour town!
- Essential Spice Combinations : Dill + Lemon Juice = magic! Nutmeg adds warmth.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : Fresh herbs are crucial here. They make the dish.
- Quick Substitution Options : No fresh dill? A tiny bit of dried will do in a pinch, but fresh is best for my Mediterranean Summer Salad
These flavours are a base of most easy mediterranean diet recipes and go extremely well on rice with chickpeas , or even better with tomatoes and feta cheese and many mediterranean veggie salad dishes.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large Skillet or Pot.
- Large Mixing Bowl.
- Pastry Brush.
- Baking Sheet.
- Parchment Paper (optional, for easy cleanup).
Don't stress if you don't have a pastry brush. a clean silicone brush or even a folded paper towel will work.
Seriously, no sweat! these mediterranean recipes aren't complicated. it's the taste of julia's album on your table, in your home.
And don't hesitate to try mediterranean salsa recipe or a mediterranean side salad in the meantime. i tried these easy healthy salad recipes for dinner , which really makes the mediterranean diet recipes dinners so tasty!
So there you have it! With these ingredients and tools, you're all set to make some seriously tasty Spanakopita Triangles. Next up: making that delicious filling! Let's go!
Alright, let's get cooking! i'm so stoked to share my spin on these amazing spanakopita triangles. honestly, i used to be terrified of working with phyllo dough.
You know? it seemed so delicate. but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll be whipping these up like a pro.
This recipe, loosely inspired by the amazing mediterranean recipes at julia's album, will transport you to the mediterranean.
Mastering Mediterranean Magic: Spanakopita Prep
The Essential Mise en Place
First things first, mise en place , baby! this basically means "everything in its place". chop your onion (about 1 cup) and mince the garlic (about 2 teaspoons).
Get that spinach (450g fresh or 283g frozen) ready. measure out the parsley (120 ml) and dill (60 ml). crumble your feta (115g).
Beat the eggs. melt the butter (115g), like, now ! having everything prepped makes the process a breeze. for a simpler side consider the freshness of a mediterranean summer salad .
Or the mediterranean veggie salad which can be found in salad recipes vegetable category or even a easy healthy salad recipes for dinner .
If you like tomatoes and feta cheese then you would love these spanakopita triangles.
Time Saving Tips
Okay, so honestly? i'm lazy. if you're using frozen spinach, thaw it completely. and squeeze all the water out. i mean it.
Like you're trying to win a prize. this prevents soggy filling. also, pre-crumble your feta. it’s a total time saver. this also saves you from washing extra dishes! try this also as a mediterranean diet main dish recipes .
Safety First!
Hot melted butter burns, it hurts! be extra careful when brushing the phyllo dough. use a good pastry brush. also, watch out for steam when cooking the spinach.
It is sneaky and can burn you! if you're aiming for lighter mediterranean diet recipes dinners , these can be baked in an air-fryer.
Spanakopita: Triangle Time!
- Sauté the Aromatics : In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened (about 5 minutes ). Add the spinach and cook until wilted (about 3- 4 minutes ). Drain off all the excess liquid. No soggy triangles allowed!. Consider a One Pot Dinner with the addition of Rice With Chickpeas and a squeeze of lemon
- Mix the Filling : In a large bowl, combine the spinach mixture with parsley, dill, feta, eggs, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly .
- Phyllo Prep: Lay a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean, flat surface. Cover the rest with a damp towel. Seriously, this is crucial.
- Butter, Butter, Baby!: Brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter. Top with a second sheet and brush with butter again. Repeat with one more sheet. That is three sheets of phyllo goodness!.
- Fold and Fill: Cut the stack into long strips (about 2-3 inches wide). Place a spoonful of filling at one end. Fold to form a triangle. Keep folding until you reach the end. Like little spanakopita burritos, innit?
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the triangles on a baking sheet. Brush with more butter! Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes , or until golden brown.
Pro Tips for Spanakopita Perfection
Secret Weapons & Shortcuts
Okay, here's a sneaky trick. if your phyllo starts to tear (it happens!), just patch it up with a little butter and another small piece of phyllo.
No one will ever know. also, don’t be scared to use more butter! the more butter, the flakier the pastry.
Want a mediterranean salsa recipe to go with your spanakopita?
Common Fails
Don't overfill them! it makes them hard to fold, and the filling will explode in the oven. trust me, i've been there.
Also, don't let the phyllo dry out! always keep it covered! alternatively, you can make some lemon rice to go with it.
make-ahead Magic
You can assemble these triangles ahead of time! just cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours . bake them right before serving.
Or, if you're looking for easy mediterranean diet recipes , you could just quickly bake a greek chicken and serve alongside a mediterranean side salad .
For dinner, you could prepare a mediterranean chopped salad recipes or a fresh mediterranean salad .
Honestly, these spanakopita triangles are a game changer. they're perfect for parties, snacks, or even a light meal. the best part? they taste like sunshine and happiness.
This can be paired with tomatoes and feta . so, get in the kitchen and get baking! you won’t regret it.
Alright, here's the section on Recipe Notes for those scrumptious Spanakopita Triangles!
Recipe Notes for Spanakopita Perfection
Right then, before you dive in, let’s talk notes. Honestly, these Spanakopita Triangles are pretty straightforward, but a few things can take them from “good” to “Oh my gosh, these are amazing!” You know?
Serving Up Sunshine: Plating & Pairings
These aren’t just about taste; presentation matters, innit? plating them artfully on a platter gives them a right royal appeal.
Think of them as little golden parcels of joy! pair them with a dollop of creamy greek yoghurt or some zesty tzatziki for dipping.
For sides, a vibrant mediterranean summer salad , perhaps one of those salad recipes vegetable , would be bang on.
And to drink? a chilled glass of crisp white wine, like a sauvignon blanc, will have you feeling like you're holidaying in greece.
Or, if you're after something non-alcoholic, a lemon rice flavored drink will work great too.
Storage Sorted: Keeping Them Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries!
- Fridge: Pop them in an airtight container and they’ll keep for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They'll last for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through and crispy. Honestly, microwaving them just doesn’t give the same flaky texture. Pro-tip: A quick zap in the air fryer works wonders.
Remix It: Tasty Variations
Fancy a little twist? Let's look at some common diets and seasonal swaps:
- Mediterranean Diet Adaptations: This recipe already falls into the Mediterranean diet recipes dinners category. Boost its health factor even more by using whole wheat phyllo dough. For Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes , serve with a vibrant Mediterranean Veggie Salad or a Fresh Mediterranean Salad . Consider pairing it with a lighter Mediterranean Side Salad or even a Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipes . It's a delicious way to enjoy Mediterranean Diet Main Dish Recipes .
- Seasonal Swaps : In the summer, use garden fresh spinach for extra flavour!
Nutrition Nuggets: Quick & Easy
Each triangle is approx. 150 calories. they are packed with protein from the feta and eggs, and spinach provides a good dose of vitamins.
These little triangles also provides some healthy fats from olive oil, a cornerstone of the mediterranean recipes diet.
Right then, go on! Get baking and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean. Don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to make Spanakopita Triangles? I'm not exactly Mary Berry in the kitchen!
While working with phyllo dough might seem daunting at first, it's definitely manageable! Just remember to keep your phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Don't worry if your first few attempts aren't perfect even a slightly wonky Spanakopita triangle still tastes delicious! Think of it as rustic charm.
Can I make these Spanakopita Triangles ahead of time? I've got a party coming up, and I'm trying to be organised like Monica from Friends!
Absolutely! You can assemble the spanakopita triangles a day ahead of time. Place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, brush them with melted butter and pop them in the oven.
They might need a few extra minutes of baking time since they'll be cold.
I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any ways to make these mediterranean recipes a bit lighter?
Definitely! You can reduce the amount of butter you use between the phyllo layers, or even substitute some of it with olive oil spray. Using part skim feta cheese will also cut down on the fat content. Also, load up on the spinach! The more veggies, the better.
What's the best way to store leftover Spanakopita Triangles? My eyes were bigger than my belly!
Leftover Spanakopita Triangles are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or even microwave them for a quick snack.
They might not be as crispy as when they were freshly baked, but they'll still be tasty!
I don't have fresh dill. Can I use dried dill in my Spanakopita filling?
Yes, you can! As a general rule, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs. So, if the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh dill, use about 1 tablespoon of dried dill. Keep in mind that dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor, so adjust to your liking.
Can I freeze these spanakopita triangles?
Yes, you can freeze spanakopita triangles for longer storage! After baking, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container.
When ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Spanakopita Triangles
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 12g |
