It doesn’t get any better than this – layers of phyllo rolled with spinach and ricotta (or feta), sprinkled with sesame and nigella seeds and baked into a crispy golden pie. 

These individual pies are really easy to make (phyllo is very forgiving and it doesn’t even matter if the pastry tears). Fill phyllo dough with a mixture of spinach and ricotta or feta and fresh herbs, then roll them up, twist, and bake.

The end result is simply delicious and perfect as an appetizer, side dish or main with a simple green salad. 

Tip: You can add dill, mint and parsley to the spinach and onion mixture for even more flavour.

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5 from 1 vote

Spinach and Ricotta Phyllo Pies

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 600 g baby leaf spinach (you can use frozen)
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp aleppo pepper
• 12 sheets phyllo pastry
• 150 g butter, melted
• 200 g ricotta or feta cheese
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp black nigella seeds

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat and soften the onion for 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for a another minute before adding the spinach. Heat the spinach until wilted. Place everything in a large sieve over a large bowl and allow to cool and drain, pushing all the liquid out with the back of a wooden spoon.
• Season the spinach with salt, pepper and aleppo pepper.
• Divide the spinach into six equal portions. Crumble the ricotta into 6 equal portions.
• Lay one sheet of pastry on a surface, brush all over with butter, lay another sheet on top brush with more butter, then spread one portion of the spinach and ricotta all over the buttered pastry leaving a 1-inch border.
• Roll the pastry lengthways, then slowly swirl it round into a spiral shape cupping with the warmth of your hands to prevent it from splitting (it doesn’t matter if the pastry splits a little). Place on the lined baking sheet.
• Brush each roll with melted butter and beaten egg, sprinkle with nigella seeds and sesame seeds and bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until golden brown all over.

Notes

Recipe from MelizCooks.