Spanakopita is one of the most famous Greek dishes and is easy to make. If the edges crack as you roll simply patch them as needed. An easy substitute and one I often use is fresh ricotta. We hired Christina as a private chef for a special occasion dinner party for 12 and were thrilled with the. Heat the oil in a pan and cook the chopped onions for 5-10min or until transparent. She made us many delicious dishes and we highly recommend her! In a large bowl, stir together onion, drained spinach, ricotta, feta, jack cheese, eggs, dill, parsley, salt … There were some specific menu needs that needed to be met and she was professional and easy to communicate with throughout the planning process. You can make it like a pie with a bottom and/or top crust. Usually, we make a huge pan of it to feed all of the people we entertain. The Dinner Ladies spinach fetta and ricotta pie This is a low-fat, rustic take on a traditional Greek spanakopita, with ricotta replacing some of the feta and just one spritz of olive oil on the pie’s ruffled top instead of the quite unnecessary – though we’d have to … #zrdn-recipe-container {border-style:solid;}#zrdn-recipe-container a {color:#000000;}#zrdn-recipe-container {border-width:2px;}#zrdn-recipe-container {border-color:#000000;}#zrdn-recipe-container {border-radius:3px;} Its golden brown out the oven and served with extra honey spread on top and dusted with cinnamon.. Because this pie is sweetened with honey and then served with honey, it’s good to choose a wild blossom honey which has a richer flavour and adds so much more to this pie. Melopita is a traditional honey pie/cake from the island of Sifnos in the Southern Aegean. Saute onion, spring onions and garlic … (Or you can cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight night or if wrapped well it can be frozen in the pie plate for up to 3 months. } https://philosokitchen.com/spanakopita-recipe-greek-spinach-pie Lightly oil a 23cm square baking tin. Place the spinach in a large bowl. Although this is called a honey pie in Greek, its does feature cheese in it. I am a professional chef, cookbook author, recipe developer, and journalist based in Los Angeles, California. Please enjoy the recipes on this site and contact me for more information on my services. #zrdn-recipe-container .zrdn-bg-color {background-color:#000000;}. If the dough has been in the fridge for several hours, let it sit at room temperature until softened. Add the ricotta and mix until smooth. We even got to meet the goats that day. Let the pie cool before you turn it out of the cake pan. It makes 2 pie dough discs, so I usually freeze one for another pie or galette. #zrdn-recipe-container ul.zrdn-counter li:before { It’s traditionally made crust less but I decided to make it into a pie as I love my honey pies. This year my husband Pantelis and I spent our first Greek … On the night of the event, her execution was impeccable. The only difference when it comes to this GF pie dough is that you roll it out right after you make it. https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/greek-spinach-and-feta-pie-spanakopita #zrdn-recipe-container .zrdn-color {color:#000000;} Melopita is a traditional honey pie/cake from the island of Sifnos in the Southern Aegean. Required fields are marked *. Extremely soft and highly addictive! result. Preheat the oven to 200°C. 21 November 2020. I wanted to keep it that way when making it into a pie so I made a simple gluten free pie crust for it. Follow. Creamy honey ricotta filling baked in a buttery flaky pie crust. It’s just too bad I don’t have fresh goat’s milk on hand to make my own cheese!. This traditional tiropita recipe, calls for three different kind of … I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour for the crust which is a straight 1-1 swap for all purpose flour. The original recipe calls for anthotyro which is a soft, ricotta like cheese. She was organized and efficient in the kitchen, and most importantly, whipped up a mouth watering meal at significantly less cost than if we had hosted this event at a restaurant. It’s only slightly different than the original recipe that hails from the island of Sifno but it’s just as delicious over a buttery flaky crust. It’s a special 1-to-1 blend of gluten free flours,starches and xanthan gum. This Greek honey ricotta pie (melopita) is made up of a simple, light and fluffy filling with a texture between a cheesecake and a baked custard. https://www.food.com/recipe/spinach-ricotta-pie-with-a-hint-of-feta-51557 #zrdn-recipe-container ul.bullets li:before, Add the cold butter over the flour and pulse until the mixture looks crumbly with larger, pea-sized chunks of butter. This was our first experience hiring a private chef and we were so. We loved this light and creamy pie - now if only we can be transported to a Greek island… , Let cool and then flip out and flip back over onto a serving plate. #zrdn-recipe-container ul.zrdn-bordered li:before{ Apple Cheddar Sage Scones. Christina arrived on. Prick the bottom all over with a fork. Sweet Greek Personal Chef and Culinary Services Los Angeles, CA, Personal Chef and Culinary Services in Los Angeles, CA — Recipes, Healthy Meals, Cooking Classes. My company, Sweet Greek Personal Chef Services, tantalizes palates in Los Angeles and beyond with full culinary services, recipe development, cooking classes, and Greek-themed pop-up dining experiences. ), Place a piece of parchment paper or foil into pie plate over dough and fill with pie weights. In a large bowl, … Greek Honey Ricotta Pie (Melopita) 23 November 2020. To blind bake a single pie crust: Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Christina created the perfect Christmas dinner for 14 foodies. REDUCE oven temperature to 350°F Pour filling into pie crust and carefully transfer to oven and bake for an additional 25 - 35 minutes or until the filling is just set and middle of it still has a bit of jiggle. #zrdn-recipe-container .zrdn-tag-item a, #zrdn-recipe-container .zrdn-tag-item{ time, was polite and professional, and cleaned up afterwards. color: #000000; Feel free to use an infused one with this pie too if you have one you love like a lavender or citrus infused one. Everything was so delicious, we were literally licking our plates. https://www.themediterraneandish.com/spanakopita-recipe-greek-spinach-pie Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. #zrdn-recipe-container ul.zrdn-solid li:before{ As you embark on making the Melopita, you’ll find it’s a super easy recipe to make. Brush top of pie with milk for shine, if desired. In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, ricotta, and feta. } Garnish with more honey and a dusting of cinnamon, and pomegranate seeds (optional). It’s the perfect pie dough if you are looking for a gluten free alternative. Bake 5-10 minutes longer, or until light golden on the bottom. box-shadow: 0 1px 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.12), 0 2px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.12), 0 4px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.12), 0 8px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.12), 0 16px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); border: 2px solid #000000; Christina exceeded all of our expectations! You can also try it as a tart. The word “melopita” basically translates as honey pie. Every course was amazing. Christina is a wonderful chef! Your email address will not be published. It’s great for pies and also great for galettes or to top savoury pot pies with. Once you pull it out of the oven you can spread more honey on top and dust it with cinnamon. I was going to make an apple compote to go with it, but the pie is already sweet enough and does need much to accompany it, especially if you garnish it with tangy pomegranate seeds like the photo. Perfect for quick breads like cookies, brownies and cakes and pies. Watch this authentic Greek recipe for Spanakopita, or spinach pie! She recently published a cookbook and had multiple suggestions at the ready for a four course meal and dessert, including vegetarian options. } Or, you can make it in one large pan and cut into serving portions, like you do for Kotopita. Hi! (Make sure to cover edges with foil or use a pie crust shield if edges are getting to golden). While spanakopita is equally popular, tiropita is the preferred pie for all times of the day and most often for breakfast. color:#000000; Your email address will not be published. Feel free to increase the amount of vanilla extract or cinnamon in it according to taste. Go to any Greek bakery, or Greek party, and you’d be shocked if there wasn’t some kind of feta and spinach pie on offer. Or I will also often times add a shot of brandy for extra flavour. I have partnered up with Bob’s Red Mill to bring you this fabulous recipe, but all opinions are my own. Allow to cool completely on rack before slicing and serving 1-2 hours. (Wrap one tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze until you need a pie crust, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.). Place eggs and honey in a large mixing bowl and blend well with a mixer with a whisk attachment until pale in colour and fully. https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/cheese-recipes/spinach-feta-filo-pie When I use all purpose flour I allow the dough to rest or fully hydrate in the fridge overnight. – Add crumbled ricotta, rice flour, vanilla, honey and lemon juice to bowl and mix for another minute. Often called Spinach and Cheese pie and a great vegetarian Greek dish this feta cheese pie recipe will be an instant family favourite. In-Home Personal Chef and Meal Prep Services, Private Parties and Events in Los Angeles, https://mysweetgreek.com/recipes/dessert/melopita-greek-honey-pie-with-ricotta-cheese/, Shrimp Santorini, Baked Shrimp with Tomato and Feta Cheese, Whisk or use a hand mixer to combine all the pie ingredients., Grease an 8-inch cake pan with butter and dust with corn starch., Pour pie mixture in and bake at 375° for about an hour until it is brown on top and set in the center. Them mix in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, corn starch and cinnamon. I’m also making it for one of my Los Angeles personal chef clients for their Rosh Hashanah dinner. I hired Chef Christina to make a special private dinner for my wife and I for my wife's birthday . Pour the ricotta filling evenly into the pie crusts. Melopita (Greek Honey Pie with Ricotta Cheese) Honey and cheese is almost all you need for a delicious Melopita — Greek Honey Pie. All rights reserved. #zrdn-recipe-container { When it comes to the original recipe for this honey ricotta pie, it’s naturally gluten free. I’m Joanne, and welcome to Olive & Mango where I cook delicious and (mostly) healthy food that anyone can make. Prepare the filling for the tiropita. This is definitely a time to use your senses. Christina did our seated holiday dinner and she was amazing! It is not uncommon to see signs in coffee places advertising a breakfast combo of coffee and tiropita . Drizzle apple cider vinegar in along with only ½ of the water. Tiropita can be made as individual pastries, like we did here. Pour over a couple tbsp water, then cook until just wilted. #zrdn-recipe-container {background-color:#ffffff;}#zrdn-recipe-container {border-color:#000000;}#zrdn-recipe-container, #zrdn-recipe-container h2, #zrdn-recipe-container h3, #zrdn-recipe-container h4 {color:#000000;} #zrdn-recipe-container ol.zrdn-bordered li:before, Empty dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball. Bake 15-20 minutes. If the dough immediately starts to crack once you start rolling, it’s too cold—give it a few more minutes to warm up. Tender scones with crunchy edges and a good blend of sweet and savoury flavours. The most popular pie or pita in Greece is the tiropita or as you may know it: Greek cheese pie. The first time I made Melopita was on Narlis Farm in Sifnos this summer. Lay 1 sheet of phyllo … was flexible with her menu, accommodated a couple guests with special dietary needs, had flawless execution through each course, served everything on time with great presentation and most importantly, did everything with a smile and was a pleasure to have in our home! continue reading. In a large frying pan or wide saucepan over medium flame, heat two tablespoons of olive oil and cook the onions and spring onions until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Using wax or parchment paper, place one dough disc onto one sheet, flatten with palm, place another sheet on top and roll out to the desired size. You will smell it and notice the color. Everybody’s oven is different so it’s hard to estimate exact times. The base of it is anthotyro cheese (you can use ricotta) which you mix up with aromatic honey and eggs. Choose one with a strong flavor that you like. You shouldn’t need to exceed the remaining ¼ cup. Line the crust with a large piece of parchment paper then pour in dried beans or pie weights to completely cover the bottom. https://www.yummly.com/recipes/greek-spinach-pie-with-feta-cheese This filling is mildly spiced. She is very sweet and also very professional! Prick the bottom of pie with a fork a few times then refrigerate 30-60 min. color: #000000; Pulse a few times or until dough mixture starts to come together and looks shaggy. The filling will be as good as your ricotta is so make sure to choose a creamy rich ricotta to go into this pie. I'd definitely book her again. She arrived on time, prepared with everything she needed. These delicious little cheese pastries (kalitsounia) are a holiday tradition from the island of Crete. Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) is a staple dish that our family serves for just about every holiday and gathering. restrictions and she was able to create wonderful meals with those restrictions in mind. Greek spinach pie with feta cheese (spanakopita) is made with flaky phyllo sheets layered with a savory spinach and feta cheese filling. This Tiropita, also known as a Greek Cheese Pie, is a traditional and popular European treat!A cheese pie made with bechamel sauce, feta cheese, and ricotta between flaky, buttery layers of … I love serving mine with some honey comb over it. Making it into a pie gives it extra texture in each bite with its buttery crisp crust. Leftovers can be wrapped and refrigerated for a few days. It rolls out quiet easily and nicely. Give the dough a pinch - if it sticks together, it’s ready. It’s just the right sweetness if you are like me and prefer desserts that are more mildly sweet. The traditional tiropita recipe calls for feta cheese. #zrdn-recipe-container ol.zrdn-solid li:before, Preheat oven to 180 C / Gas 4. I am greek and have been making spanakopita for years .Ricotta is unheard of in this pie and parsley .you already have dill and green onion .Eggs for helping the ingredients hold together ,I use bread crumbs to absorb liquid which spinach gives off.Olive oil and of course crumbled feta .If you use store bought filo dough ,use the thick country style as the other is to be used for pastry . Spanakopita History: Where Did Greek Spinach Pie Come From? I have many dietary. Tiropita: Greek Cheese Pie. The top will be deeply golden. Not only does it help identify what kind of pie it is but it’s an extra treat to enjoy with the pie. There must be a reason why this Spanakopita — Traditional Greek Spinach Pie — is loved in … I usually refrigerate it first for 1 hour so that it’s stiff enough not to damage while wrapping it for the freezer. Thank you for supporting Olive & Mango. This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations. Spanakopita can be made as a "pie… You can use a springform pan if you don’t feel comfortable flipping.. Bake (par bake) at 400°F for 10 minutes then remove and brush the bottom and edges of crust with egg wash. And allow to cool while you make your filling. My recipe is based on what we made. https://www.food.com/recipe/tiropita-greek-savoury-cheese-pie-59884 Tip into a … Part custard, part cheesecake, a Honey Pie or Melopita (meh-LOH-peeta) is so versatile that you will find yourself trying it many ways. We had one vegetarian in attendance and Christina prepared her a special dish. Tiropita (or tyropita) is a Greek pie made from layers of phyllo dough that are filled with a cheese and egg mixture. Serve with a generous amount of extra honey and dusting of cinnamon. Italian Ricotta Pie is a classic, traditional recipe – often served at Easter. The pic below is of grilled octopus with nectarines and arugula. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and form each into a flat disk. impressed. In fact, there really aren’t many occasions when a big fresh piece of spinach and feta pie (called spanakopita in Greece) doesn’t do the job. Kalitsounia (or Lichnarakia) are traditionally made with the fresh soft variety of myzithra cheese (not the salty type), but if you can't find it, try them with some Italian mascarpone or Once I roll it out I fit it in my pie plate and crimp it and then I allow it to rest for 1 hour or overnight in the fridge before I bake it. You can learn more about me, Creamy honey ricotta filling baked in a buttery flaky pie crust, one 9 inch pie (dough recipe makes 2 pie doughs), 1 tablespoon sugar (optional; can be omitted for savory crusts), 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted, butter cubed, 2 cup (600 grams) soft myzithra cheese (or ricotta), ½ cup (150 grams) honey (wild blossom preferably), Extra honey and cinnamon to serve (I decorated mine with honey comb), Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, Classic Pumpkin Pie With No Shrink Pie Crust, Roasted Turkey Breast Roulade With Cranberry Herb Stuffing, Place flour, and sugar, in a food processor and pulse to combine. Just make sure that the pie gets brown all over and is set in the middle. – Allow pie to cool for a few minutes then place on serving dish. Top each pie with 8 narrow strips of dough or cookie cut-outs. Lightly grease the base and sides of a 22cm round spring form tin. Like so many of the other passed-down recipes that we’ve recreated here on A Family Feast, this 100+ year-old family recipe was vaguely written, and it lacked some exact ingredient measurements.So – it actually took us three attempts to get this Italian Ricotta Pie recipe just right! Prepare the filling for the tiropita. Inspiring ideas for delicious home cooking, This Greek honey ricotta pie (melopita) is made up of a simple, light and fluffy filling with a texture between a cheesecake and a baked custard. } Put the spinach into a large pan. Basically, mix everything together, turn it out into the baking pan, and bake. } Set aside to cool. The menu ran the gambit from shrimp saganaki, to baked zucchini cakes, to some insanely tasty avocado, potato, garlic dippy thingy, to braised short ribs that fell off the bone. background-color: #000000; Her service was brilliant, we decided a menu together. It was pleasure having her in our home, her food was delicious and everyone was very happy! Can't recommend her enough! continue reading. I took my favorite basic pie dough recipe and literally substituted the all purpose flour with Bob’s GF 1-1 one. Layers of flaky phyllo dough paired with smooth and flavorful spinach-feta filling, make this Spanakopita (Traditional Greek Spinach Pie) a great lunch or light dinner. More importantly, the food was healthy and delicious. weeks before (with vegan and gluten free options), she came with everything she needed and even cleaned up after. Cover with boiling water and stand for 1 minute, or until spinach has wilted. Many other versions use a soft myzithra/mizithra cheese too. I’ve been making this recipe a lot lately. If not, drizzle in more water 1 tbsp at a time. Add the spinach and cook for 3min or until wilted. This dish is one of Greece’s best known and is a family favourite around the world. 23 Nov, 2020 Greek Honey Ricotta Pie (Melopita) Joanne Rappos desserts Creamy honey ricotta filling baked in a buttery flaky pie crust Greek Flavours, Greek fusion Greek, honey, pies, sponsored. The crust can be blind baked up to 1 day in advance. This is a traditional Greek honey pie with a twist on the pie part. #zrdn-recipe-container ol.zrdn-counter li:before, 5 stars all the way. Remove the top sheet and invert into pie pan peeling the second piece off after. I would highly recommend Christina to anyone looking for a special night, catering, or someone who needs a chef on a regular basis. Appetizer / Entree / Recipes / Salad / Side Dish, Appetizer / Greek Food / Recipes / Side Dish / Vegetarian. 1. This particular dough behaves a little better or is a bit easier to roll out if done immediately. Melopita is a traditional honey pie/cake from the island of Sifnos in the Southern Aegean. Remove the parchment and beans.