Greek-American Spinach and Feta Rolls

Ingredients

In this adaptation from the original Croatian dish, Ružice, we have incorporated Greek-American flavors and ingredients. The traditional Croatian pastry has been transformed into a Greek-American delight by replacing the original filling with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. The use of flaky pastry remains consistent, but the flavors have been adjusted to suit the Greek-American cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Ružice, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) fresh spinach, chopped 2 cups (250g) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 sheets phyllo pastry 8 sheets phyllo pastry
• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, 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 skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture, crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have four layers.
6. 6.
   Spoon a portion of the spinach and feta mixture onto the bottom edge of the phyllo pastry. Roll the pastry tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining phyllo pastry and filling.
7. 7.
   Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Phyllo pastry — Handle the phyllo pastry gently to prevent it from tearing. Keep it covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a hint of freshness, squeeze a little lemon juice over the spinach and feta mixture before rolling it in the pastry.
• If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, you can add more fresh dill and parsley to the filling.
• Serve the rolls warm for the best taste and texture.
• These rolls can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-American Spinach and Feta Rolls as an appetizer or a light meal. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the rolls on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as dill or parsley. Serve them alongside a small bowl of tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of lemon for dipping.