Gettin Greek-y

So, as I mentioned in my actual blog, my boyfriend (the non-cook) decided to make me a dinner that is a little out of the ordinary, but something he knew I would LOVE. He picked out this recipe (from epicurious originally) for spanakopita, meaning spinach pie, which is a fabulous greek dish that I adore. It's filled with spinach and feta and, to me, the most delicious pie you'll ever taste.

Here's our version of the slightly altered recipe for spanakopita...

• 3 Tbsp. coconut oil, plus more (melted) for brushing
• 5 leeks, white and light green parts chopped (make sure you rinse them really well, leeks are kind of grossly dirty..)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 3.5 10 oz. bags of spinach (I know, that's kinda a lot of spinach, but I promise you, it's worth it!)
• 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper (or from a bottle.. whatever)
• 2 - 2.5 c. crumbled firm feta cheese
• 1/2 c. finely chopped fresh dill
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 thawed (but still chilled) puff pastry sheets

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F
2. Add 3 Tbsp. coconut oil to a large skillet (we used a large soup pot) over medium-high heat. Add leeks and garlic and cook until soft - roughly 4-5 minutes. 
3. Add the spinach in by the handful, folding leaves under with a wooden spoon. Let the spinach wilt and cook down a bit before adding more. 
4. Once the spinach has been added, season with pepper. 
5. Transfer the spinach mixture into a colander in the sink. Gently press out excess liquid using the back of a spoon. Set mixture aside to cool down (this will prevent the pastry sheets from getting soggy. 
6. Once mixture has cooled, add feta, dill, and eggs. Fold until well combined.
7. Brush the bottom of a 9x13 in baking dish with oil and place the first sheet of dough on the bottom - pressing into the corners. Make it fit however you have to - if necessary, cut out excess. 
8. Spread the filling out over the dough, evenly.
9. Roll out the second sheet of dough and cover the pie, trimming excess if necessary.
10. Brush the top with oil.
11. Place into oven and bake about 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. 
12. Let sit for 10 minutes - if you can ;)

Enjoy! Post a comment letting me know if you plan to make it, or if you have suggestions! :)