Slovenian Spinach and Cottage Cheese Pie

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 250g (8.8 oz) cottage cheese 250g (8.8 oz) cottage cheese
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sheet of puff pastry 1 sheet of puff pastry
• Butter for greasing Butter for greasing

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pan, sauté the spinach over medium heat until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. 3.
   Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach and roughly chop it.
4. 4.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cottage cheese, eggs, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. 5.
   Grease a pie dish with butter and line it with the puff pastry sheet, trimming any excess.
6. 6.
   Pour the spinach and cottage cheese mixture into the prepared pie dish, spreading it evenly.
7. 7.
   Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling, creating a rustic crust.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
9. 9.
   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 before sautéing them to remove any dirt or grit.
• Cottage cheese — If the cottage cheese is too watery, drain it in a sieve before using it in the recipe to prevent the filling from becoming too moist.
• Puff pastry — If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pie before baking.
• Serve the pie with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy accompaniment.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or onions to the filling for extra variety.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the pastry with an egg wash before baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Slovenian Spinach and Cottage Cheese Pie warm as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or a side dish.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pie with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill. Cut it into wedges and serve on a decorative platter to showcase the beautiful layers of spinach and cheese filling.