Maltese Spinach and Cheese Pie

Ingredients

While the original Swiss Fastenwähe is typically made with a yeast dough and filled with onions and bacon, this Maltese adaptation replaces those ingredients with spinach and feta cheese. The use of spinach adds a fresh and nutritious element to the dish, while the feta cheese brings a tangy and creamy flavor. Additionally, the Maltese version incorporates traditional Maltese herbs and spices to enhance the taste and reflect the local culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Fastenwähe, so you can check it out.

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (400g) 2 sheets of puff pastry (400g)
• 500g fresh spinach, washed and chopped 500g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and line a greased pie dish with it.
6. 6.
   Pour the spinach and cheese mixture onto the pastry-lined dish, spreading it evenly.
7. 7.
   Cover the filling with the second sheet of puff pastry, sealing the edges by pressing them together.
8. 8.
   Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg to create a golden crust.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry before chopping.
• Feta cheese — Opt for a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If desired, you can crumble the cheese yourself instead of buying pre-crumbled feta.

Tips & Tricks

• You can add a handful of chopped fresh mint leaves to the spinach and cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve the pie warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• This pie can be enjoyed as a main dish with a side salad or as a delightful appetizer for gatherings.

Serving advice

Slice the Maltese Spinach and Cheese Pie into wedges and serve it on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an attractive presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, brush the top of the pie with a little olive oil before baking. This will give it a glossy finish and a beautiful golden color.