Ingredients
For the filling:
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- 100 g (3.5 oz) ricotta or cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
For assembling:
- 1 package phyllo (filo) dough (about 12–16 sheets)
- 100–120 g (½ cup) melted butter or olive oil
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or black seeds (optional topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the filling
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and chop it roughly.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted (or heated through if using frozen).
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
👉 Important: If there is excess liquid, squeeze it out well to avoid soggy pastries.
2. Mix the filling
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked spinach mixture
- Feta cheese
- Ricotta (or cream cheese)
- Egg
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and nutmeg.
- Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Prepare the phyllo dough
- Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface.
- Lightly brush it with melted butter or oil.
- Place another sheet on top and brush again.
- Cut into long strips (about 8–10 cm / 3–4 inches wide).
4. Shape the triangles
- Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling at one end of the strip.
- Fold into a triangle shape:
- Fold one corner over the filling
- Continue folding like a flag until you reach the end
- Repeat with remaining strips and filling.
5. Arrange and brush
- Place triangles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Mix egg yolk with milk and brush over each pastry.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or black seeds on top.
6. Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy
🔥 Tips for Best Results
- Keep phyllo covered with a damp towel while working—it dries quickly.
- Don’t overfill, or they may burst during baking.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- You can freeze them before baking and cook directly from frozen.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or light dinners
Serve warm as an appetizer or snack
Pair with yogurt dip, tzatziki, or a fresh salad