Spinach & Cottage Cheese Pie Recipe

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Introduction

Spinach and Cottage Cheese Pie is a savory and nutritious dish that blends the richness of cottage cheese with the fresh, earthy flavor of spinach. This pie offers a delightful combination of textures, with the creamy cottage cheese filling balancing perfectly with the tender spinach. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s suitable for all occasions—from a family dinner to a celebratory gathering. This pie is also versatile, and it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal while savoring the flavors of traditional Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine.

The recipe is simple to prepare, and it doesn’t require any exotic ingredients. With a few basic steps, you can create a delicious and filling dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re a vegetarian, looking for a meatless meal, or just in the mood for something comforting, this Spinach & Cottage Cheese Pie is the answer.

In this article, we’ll explore why this recipe is a great choice for your next meal, provide detailed step-by-step instructions, and share some helpful tips to customize it to your preferences. You’ll learn about the benefits of using spinach and cottage cheese, how to prepare the pie, and even how to make it your own with different variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy and Nutritious: Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, while cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. Together, they make a well-balanced and healthy meal.
  • Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy cottage cheese filling combined with spinach makes for a hearty and filling meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
  • Flavorful and Savory: The savory flavor of spinach pairs perfectly with the mild, creamy taste of cottage cheese. Adding spices like garlic, cumin, and coriander elevates the flavor profile to new heights.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is ideal for vegetarians and those who follow halal diets, as it contains no meat or alcohol.
  • Versatile: The ingredients can be adjusted to suit your tastes. You can add extra herbs or spices, swap the cottage cheese for ricotta, or even include other vegetables like mushrooms or peppers.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re preparing a dish for a family gathering, a holiday, or a special dinner, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (20 minutes for prep, 40 minutes for baking, 30 minutes for cooling)
  • Servings: This recipe yields about 8 servings, depending on the portion sizes.
  • Nutrition Facts (per serving):
    Calories: 250
    Protein: 14g
    Carbs: 22g
    Fat: 15g
    Fiber: 3g

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: A basic flour to form the dough for the crust.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter: For a rich and buttery crust.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavor of the crust.
  • 4-5 tablespoons ice water: To bind the dough together.

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb fresh spinach: Washed and chopped. Spinach is the star ingredient, providing both flavor and nutrition.
  • 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese: The main component of the filling. You can substitute with ricotta cheese if preferred.
  • 2 large eggs: To bind the filling together and give it structure.
  • 1 medium onion: Finely chopped, for flavor and texture.
  • 2 cloves garlic: Minced, to enhance the savory flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin: For a warm, earthy flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander: Adds depth and complexity to the filling.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: To taste.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the spinach and onion.
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley: Chopped, for added freshness and flavor.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Extra fresh parsley or dill: For garnish.
  • A drizzle of olive oil: For extra richness.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE PIE CRUST

  1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter in small cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so add it gradually to ensure the dough doesn’t become too sticky.
  3. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out.
  4. Roll the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, lightly flour your countertop and roll the dough out into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
  5. Pre-Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights. Bake for another 5-7 minutes until the crust is golden. Set aside to cool.

SECOND STEP: PREPARE THE FILLING

  1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Cook the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
  3. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the cottage cheese, ground cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add the Spinach Mixture: Once the spinach and onion mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the cottage cheese mixture. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE PIE

  1. Fill the Crust: Pour the spinach and cottage cheese filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  2. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean.
  3. Cool the Pie: Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps the pie set and makes it easier to cut.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

  1. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or dill over the top of the pie for added flavor and color. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra richness.
  2. Slice and Serve: Slice the pie into wedges and serve. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

How to Serve Spinach & Cottage Cheese Pie

Spinach & Cottage Cheese Pie is an excellent main course that can be served for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas for serving this dish:

1. As a Main Course for Lunch or Dinner

This pie is filling and satisfying, making it perfect for a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner. Pair it with a light side salad or roasted potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

2. Serve as Part of a Mezze Platter

Spinach & Cottage Cheese Pie can be served as part of a mezze platter alongside other Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, or falafel. It’s an excellent choice for a casual gathering or a dinner party.

3. Enjoy with a Side of Fresh Yogurt

For an extra boost of creaminess and flavor, serve the pie with a side of plain yogurt or a yogurt-based sauce like tzatziki. The coolness of the yogurt contrasts nicely with the warm, savory pie.

4. Great for Family Gatherings

Spinach & Cottage Cheese Pie is a great option for family meals, especially if you’re looking for a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. The pie can be easily cut into portions, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.

Additional Tips

  1. Make Ahead: This pie can be assembled ahead of time. Prepare the pie up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  2. Freezing: If you want to freeze the pie, bake it completely, then cool it and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes or until heated through.
  3. Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped green chili to the spinach filling for a warm, spicy kick.
  4. Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust, or make a crustless version by baking the filling in a greased pie dish.

Recipe Variations

While the traditional version of Spinach & Cottage Cheese Pie is a classic, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences:

1. Add Other Vegetables

Feel free to include other vegetables in the filling, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. These vegetables will add extra flavor and nutrition to the pie.

2. Use Different Cheeses

While cottage cheese is the main ingredient in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like ricotta, feta, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

3. Add Herbs and Spices

If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding additional herbs like dill, thyme, or basil. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg, paprika, or turmeric to give the filling a unique twist.

4. Make It Vegan

To make this pie vegan, replace the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative such as tofu or vegan ricotta. You can also use a plant-based egg substitute to replace the eggs.

Freezing and Storage

Spinach & Cottage Cheese Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To freeze the pie, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Special Equipment

While this recipe doesn’t require any special equipment, here are a few essentials that may make the process easier:

  • 9-inch Pie Dish: A standard pie dish for baking the pie.
  • Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pie crust.
  • Skillet: For sautéing the spinach and onion.
  • Mixing Bowls: For combining the filling ingredients.
  • Pie Weights or Dried Beans: For pre-baking the pie crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before using it in the filling.
  2. Can I make this pie without a crust? Yes, you can make a crustless version of this pie by simply greasing the pie dish and baking the filling directly in it.
  3. How can I make the filling creamier? For a creamier filling, add a bit more cottage cheese or a dollop of cream cheese to the mixture.
  4. Can I add meat to this pie? Yes, you can add cooked ground beef or chicken to the filling for a non-vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Conclusion

Spinach & Cottage Cheese Pie is a wholesome, flavorful dish that brings together the fresh taste of spinach with the creamy richness of cottage cheese. Whether served as a main course or part of a larger meal, this pie is sure to satisfy. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s a fantastic recipe to add to your meal rotation, offering a healthy yet indulgent treat for your taste buds. Try it today, and enjoy the deliciousness in every bite!

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