Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Pie

Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Pie, a dish that combines Mediterranean flavors with the convenience of puff pastry. This recipe features layers of creamy ricotta and tangy feta cheese, complemented by earthy spinach, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and the subtle bite of spring onions.

Encased in golden puff pastry and topped with a crunchy sesame and poppy seed crust, this pie promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Ideal for a hearty brunch or as a flavorful main dish, this pie is sure to impress with its rustic charm and delectable combination of ingredients.

Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Pie

Ingredients:

350g/12.3oz Feta Cheese

150g/5.3oz Fresh Baby Spinach

100g/3.5oz Sun-dried Tomatoes, chopped

250g/8.8oz Ricotta

2 Spring Onions, sliced

3 Large Eggs

½ Tsp Ground Nutmeg

150g/5.3oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Beaten Egg for Egg wash

Sesame Seeds

Poppy Seeds

Puff Pastry

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 180C/350F.

Mix the 3 eggs in a small bowl with the ground nutmeg and pepper.

Butter grease an approximately 29cm x 29cm shallow baking dish.

Lay out the pastry. Crumble the feta cheese on top of the pastry.

Spoon the ricotta over the feta and spread it out with palette knife.

Top with the baby spinach, spring onions and sun-dried tomatoes.

Pour over the beaten eggs and top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Close the pie with remaining puff pastry. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame and poppy seeds.

Bake in oven on the lower shelf for about 1 hour, until pastry is cooked and golden on top.

Remove from oven. Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes then cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Follow the instructions on the puff pastry package for thawing. It should be thawed but still cold to the touch for easier handling and better rise during baking.

Remove Excess Moisture: Ensure the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are well-drained or pat them dry with paper towels before layering them onto the pastry. Excess moisture can make the pastry soggy.

Layer Ingredients Evenly: Distribute the ingredients evenly across the puff pastry to ensure every bite has a balance of flavors. This includes the feta, ricotta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and spring onions.

Seal Puff Pastry Well: When covering the pie with the top layer of puff pastry, press the edges firmly to seal them. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.

Egg Wash for Golden Color: Brushing the top of the pie with beaten egg not only adds shine but also helps achieve a beautiful golden brown color. Don’t forget to brush the edges as well.

Use Lower Oven Shelf: Placing the pie on the lower shelf of the oven helps ensure the bottom pastry layer cooks through and becomes crisp.

Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pie while it bakes. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for doneness around the 50-minute mark and adjust baking time accordingly.

Let it Rest: Allow the baked pie to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut into neat squares or slices.

Serve Warm: This pie is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. If reheating leftovers, do so in a low oven to maintain the pastry’s crispness.

Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as different cheeses, herbs like basil or thyme, or adding a touch of spice with red pepper flakes.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh.

Thaw and drain it well before using to prevent excess moisture in the pie.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Ensure the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are well-drained before layering them onto the pastry.

Also, baking on the lower shelf of the oven helps ensure the bottom pastry cooks through and stays crispy.

Can I prepare this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.

This can be convenient for preparing in advance for a meal or gathering.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat in the oven to maintain the pastry’s crispness.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pie (unbaked) before brushing with egg wash and sprinkling seeds.

Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1-2 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What can I serve with this pie?

This pie pairs well with a side salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or a fresh fruit salad.

It also makes a great addition to a brunch spread.

Can I omit the nutmeg?

Yes, you can omit the nutmeg if you prefer. It adds a subtle warmth to the dish, but the pie will still be delicious without it.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

Bake the pie until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 1 hour at 180°C (350°F).

You can also check by inserting a knife into the center to ensure the filling is set and the pastry is fully cooked.

What size baking dish should I use?

Use an approximately 29cm x 29cm shallow baking dish as specified in the recipe.

This size allows for even baking and ensures the pie has enough room to rise and cook properly.

Can I add other ingredients to this pie?

Certainly! You can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like cooked bacon or ham, different cheeses, or additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

Just ensure they are cooked or prepared properly before adding to the pie.