Slovenian Spinach and Cheese Pie

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 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
• 2 sheets of puff pastry 2 sheets of puff pastry
• 2 tablespoons sour cream 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• 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 fresh spinach leaves to the pan and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Squeeze out any excess liquid from the cooked spinach and add it to the cheese mixture. Mix well to combine.
6. 6.
   Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and line a greased pie dish with it. Trim any excess pastry.
7. 7.
   Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the pastry.
8. 8.
   Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing them together.
9. 9.
   Brush the top of the pie with beaten egg to create a golden crust.
10. 10.
    Cut a few slits on the top pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
12. 12.
    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 and remove any tough stems before cooking.
• Puff pastry — If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before rolling it out.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more indulgent version, you can add some crispy bacon or pancetta to the filling.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or cheddar, to customize the flavor of the pie.
• Serve the Spinach and Cheese Pie with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• If you prefer a lighter crust, you can use phyllo pastry instead of puff pastry.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a delicious next-day meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Slovenian Spinach and Cheese Pie warm as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or a picnic treat.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the pie before baking. This will add a touch of visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.