Spanikopita

Spanikopita meaning "spinach pie", is a savory pasty with spinach and feta cheese filling the Greeks have been eating since ancient times.

1 lb. filo dough
1/2 to 3/4 lb. melted butter

Filling:

1/4c olive oil
1 bunch scallions, chopped fine
or 1 onion, chopped fine
1/4c fresh dill, chopped fine
1/2c parsley, chopped
1/2 lb. feta cheese, crumbled
2 pkgs. frozen chopped spinach
or 1 lb. fresh spinach
1/2 lb. ricotta or cottage cheese
6 eggs, beaten

Heat the oil, add the scallions, dill, and parsley and sauté until soft. Add spinach and mix. In a large bowl, break up the feta cheese, and add the ricotta to cottage cheese and the beaten eggs and mix. Add the spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and mix thoroughly. Make individual triangle, rollup, or place in a large pan and cut top layer of filo carefully into squares. Bake in 350° oven until golden brown and crisp, about 45 minutes.

Note: When using fresh spinach, wash thoroughly and allow to drain. Wrap in towel to absorb extra moisture. Cut off stems and chop fine.

When using frozen spinach, thaw in a strainer to drain.

To freeze: Freeze individual pieces on a flat surface, before baking. Pack frozen pieces in air tight container and return to freezer. On serving day, place frozen pieces on baking pan and bake at 350° until brown and crisp.