Greek Spinach Triangles
If you’re looking for a delightful, savory pastry that’s sure to impress at any gathering, look no further than Greek Spinach Triangles. These flaky, golden-brown delights are filled with a scrumptious mixture of spinach, feta, and cottage cheese that offers a perfect blend of flavors. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, Greek Spinach Triangles are a crowd-pleaser that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.
Reasons to Love Greek Spinach Triangles
Greek Spinach Triangles are more than just a delicious treat; they are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings. Here are a few reasons to love them:
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of spinach, feta, and cottage cheese creates a creamy, savory filling that is incredibly satisfying.
- Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these triangles are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Freezable: You can make a large batch ahead of time and freeze them for later, making weeknight meals a breeze.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: They are great for lunchboxes or quick snacks, ensuring you always have a healthy option on hand.
- Cultural Experience: Enjoying Greek Spinach Triangles is a lovely way to explore Greek cuisine right from your kitchen.
Ingredients at a Glance
To whip up these delicious Greek Spinach Triangles, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 3 cups small curd cottage cheese, drained of excess moisture
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 ounces frozen phyllo dough, defrosted
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools and equipment:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
- Pastry Brush: To apply melted butter on the phyllo dough.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the triangles in the oven.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: To cut the phyllo dough into strips.
Greek Spinach Triangles: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to create your own Greek Spinach Triangles:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked onions to a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
To the mixing bowl with onions, add the drained cottage cheese, thawed and squeezed dry spinach, beaten egg, crumbled feta, and ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Phyllo Dough
Lay out one sheet of defrosted phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top, and brush it again with butter. Repeat this process until you have layered three sheets of phyllo.
Step 4: Cut the Dough
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered phyllo dough into long strips, about 3 inches wide.
Step 5: Fill and Fold
At the end of each strip, place a spoonful of the spinach filling. Fold the corner of the strip over the filling to form a triangle. Continue folding the triangle along the strip until you reach the end. Seal the edge with a little melted butter.
Step 6: Bake the Triangles
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the filled triangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with more melted butter to ensure they become golden and crispy during baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Budget & Availability Swaps
If you’re looking to adapt this recipe based on availability or budget, consider the following swaps:
- Cheese: Substitute crumbled feta with ricotta or goat cheese if desired.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just make sure to sauté it first to remove excess moisture.
- Phyllo Dough: If phyllo dough is not available, you can use puff pastry as an alternative.
- Onions: Green onions or shallots can be used in place of regular onions for a slightly different flavor.
Errors to Dodge
When making Greek Spinach Triangles, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Not Draining Spinach: Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach; otherwise, the filling will be watery.
- Overfilling: Avoid overstuffing the triangles, as this can cause them to burst during baking.
- Skipping the Butter: Don’t skip brushing the phyllo with melted butter; it’s essential for achieving that flaky texture.
- Using Cold Phyllo: Make sure your phyllo dough is fully defrosted before working with it to prevent tearing.
Storage & Reheat Guide
To keep your Greek Spinach Triangles delicious for longer, follow these storage tips:
Allow the baked triangles to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the baked triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
To reheat, place the triangles on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For frozen triangles, bake them directly from frozen for about 20-25 minutes.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What should I do if my phyllo dough tears?
If your phyllo dough tears, don’t worry! Simply layer an additional piece of phyllo on top of the torn section and continue with the recipe. The butter will help seal the layers together.
Can I make these triangles ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the triangles and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking and cook them straight from the freezer when ready.
Why are my triangles not crispy?
If your triangles aren’t crispy, it could be due to insufficient butter applied to the phyllo or baking at too low a temperature. Ensure you brush each layer generously with butter and preheat the oven properly.
How can I enhance the flavor of the filling?
To elevate the flavor of the filling, consider adding herbs like dill or parsley, or spices such as nutmeg for a warm, earthy taste. A touch of lemon zest can also brighten the filling.
Quick Weeknight Wins
For more delicious and easy meal ideas, check out these recipes:
- Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Rolls Recipe – A delightful twist on classic lasagna.
- Instant Pot Ricotta Recipe – A quick way to make fresh ricotta at home.
In Closing
Greek Spinach Triangles are a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. With their crispy phyllo exterior and flavorful spinach filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re indulging in them fresh out of the oven or saving some for later, these triangles are a delightful treat that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine. Enjoy crafting these delicious pastries, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family for a truly memorable experience!
Greek Spinach Triangles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked onions to a mixing bowl.
- To the mixing bowl with onions, add the drained cottage cheese, thawed and squeezed dry spinach, beaten egg, crumbled feta, and ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Lay out one sheet of defrosted phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top, and brush it again with butter. Repeat this process until you have layered three sheets of phyllo.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered phyllo dough into long strips, about 3 inches wide.
- At the end of each strip, place a spoonful of the spinach filling. Fold the corner of the strip over the filling to form a triangle. Continue folding the triangle along the strip until you reach the end. Seal the edge with a little melted butter.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the filled triangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with more melted butter to ensure they become golden and crispy during baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Notes
- Allow the baked triangles to cool completely before storing.
- Freeze the baked triangles in a single layer for up to three months.
- Reheat triangles in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
