Swedish Spinach and Cheese Pie

Ingredients

While the original Zeljanica from Balkan cuisine is made with phyllo dough and a filling of spinach and cheese, the Swedish Spinach and Cheese Pie takes inspiration from the original dish but adapts it to Swedish cuisine. The Swedish version features a buttery and flaky pastry crust instead of phyllo dough, giving the pie a different texture and taste. Additionally, the Swedish version may incorporate traditional Swedish herbs and spices to enhance the flavors and cater to the Swedish palate. We alse have the original recipe for Zeljanica, 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 cottage cheese 200g cottage cheese
• 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 butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter 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 cottage cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped dill. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Add the cooled spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and line a greased pie dish with it. Trim any excess pastry.
7. 7.
   Pour the spinach and cheese filling into the pastry-lined dish and spread it evenly.
8. 8.
   Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry and place it on top of the filling. Seal the edges by pressing them together.
9. 9.
   Cut a few slits on the top pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Pat it dry before chopping.
• 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 some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pie before baking.
• Feel free to add other herbs such as parsley or chives to the filling for extra freshness.
• Serve the pie warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• This pie can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
• Pair the Swedish Spinach and Cheese Pie with lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Swedish Spinach and Cheese Pie as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or as a side dish alongside roasted meats or fish. Cut it into wedges and garnish with a sprig of fresh dill for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, brush the top of the pie with an egg wash before baking to achieve a glossy golden finish. Serve the pie on a decorative platter or individual plates for an appealing visual impact.