Byrek me Spinaq
A beloved savory pie featuring layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with a flavorful mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. It's a versatile dish often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 package (approx. 12-15 sheets) Phyllo dough sheets(thawed according to package directions)
- 500 g Spinach(fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 200 g Feta cheese(crumbled)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Green onions (scallions)(finely chopped)
- 2 large Eggs
- 0.75 cup Olive oil(plus more for brushing)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, chopped onion, chopped green onions, eggs, 0.5 cup of olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
- 3
Carefully unroll the phyllo dough. Keep the sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out.
- 4
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish, letting the edges overhang. Brush lightly with olive oil. Repeat this process with about half of the phyllo sheets, layering and brushing each with oil. Trim any excess dough that hangs too far over the edge.
- 5
Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over the layered phyllo dough.
- 6
Layer the remaining phyllo sheets over the filling, brushing each with olive oil. Fold the overhanging edges of the bottom layers over the top to create a crust.
- 7
Brush the top layer generously with olive oil. You can score the top of the byrek into serving portions before baking.
- 8
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
- 9
Let the byrek cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure spinach is thoroughly squeezed dry to prevent a soggy bottom.
- ✓Work quickly with phyllo dough and keep it covered to prevent drying.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of butter and olive oil for brushing the phyllo.
🔄 Variations
- Byrek me Gjizë (with ricotta cheese)
- Byrek me Mish (with ground meat filling)