Mama Voula's Spanakopita
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, preferably Greek, plus more for brushing
- 6 leeks, white and light green parts, chopped and well rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 1/2 pounds fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups crumbled firm feta cheese, preferably Greek
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 frozen country-style filo sheets or puff pastry sheets (see Note), thawed but kept chilled
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and coat with the 3 tablespoons of oil.
- When the oil is hazy, add the leeks and garlic; cook and stir until fragrant and very soft, about 4 minutes.
- Add the spinach in handfuls, folding the leaves under with a spoon as you add each batch.
- Let the spinach wilt and cook down before adding more.
- Once all the spinach is in the pan, season with the pepper.
- Remove from the heat and transfer the spinach mixture to a colander over the sink.
- Using the back of a spoon, gently press out all of the excess liquid.
- Set aside to cool; the filling needs to cool down a bit to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Once the mixture is cool, add the feta, dill, mint, and eggs.
- Fold the ingredients together until well combined.
- Brush the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with oil.
- Working with 1 sheet at a time, lay the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out slightly to fit the pan.
- Line the bottom of the dish with the first piece of dough, pressing into the corners.
- Trim off any excess with a paring knife.
- Spread the spinach filling evenly over the dough.
- Cover with the second sheet of dough, trimming around the edges of the dish.
- Brush the top with oil.
- Bake until the top is puffed and golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
extravirgin olive oil, leeks, garlic, baby spinach, freshly ground black pepper, feta cheese, fresh dill, fresh mint, eggs, pastry
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/mama-voulas-spanakopita-354989 (may not work)