Best Albanian Spinach Pie Byrek Me Spinaq Or Pite Recipes

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ALBANIAN SPINACH PIE (BYREK ME SPINAQ OR PITE)



Albanian Spinach Pie (Byrek Me Spinaq or Pite) image

Albanians love savory pies and I do too. They make theirs with filo dough. Any combination of greens can be used in this recipe. You can even add other vegetables as well, such as mushrooms. If the additional vegetables used will be watery, towards the end of baking you might want to cut steam vents in the filo dough. Albanians eat this pie hot accompanied by buttermilk or beaten yogurt thinned down with cold water, or with chilled stewed prunes.

Provided by alvinakatz

Categories     Savory Pies

Time 1h

Yield 1 pie, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

3/4 cup oil, preferably olive oil
30 sheets phyllo dough
1 1/2 lbs spinach, chopped
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • (NOTE: A round cake or pie pan is recommended because it's more authentic but any similar sized pan will do).
  • Brush the pan with some of the oil, and start laying the filo leaves inside. First, lay two leaves, sprinkle or brush with oil, then lay two other leaves, and repeat the procedure until HALF of the leaves are laid. Make sure that they cover the pan by hanging them about one inch over the edges of the pan. Change directions, so that the entire pan is evenly covered.
  • Sprinkle spinach with salt, then mix well by hand. Let sit for a minute.
  • Add the feta cheese, onions, eggs and stir.
  • Spread spinach mixture over the filo leaves in the pan.
  • Cover the spinach with the rest of the pastry leaves repeating the first-half procedure.
  • Roll the hanging edges of the bottom leaves over the pie (think of a pizza crust), sprinkle top with oil.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve hot.

SPINACH PIE (BYREK MI SPINAQ)



Spinach Pie (Byrek Mi Spinaq) image

In Albanian, this savory spinach pie is called Byrek Mi Spinaq and, with its delicate layers of phyllo dough, spinach, and cream, it's a very popular dish. The pie can also be frozen after it is assembled and thawed before baking.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Pie & Tarts Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 8-ounce package whipped butter
1/2 cup canola oil
3 bunches of spinach, stemmed and chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 egg
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons of butter and oil mixture, as per directions
20 sheets prepared phyllo dough, thawed if frozen

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Combine butter and canola oil in a saucepan and warm over low heat until butter is melted. Stir to combine. Reserve two tablespoons of mixture for the filling.
  • For the filling: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, onion, egg, sour cream, yogurt, salt, and the 2 tablespoons of the butter-oil mixture, and mix well. Set aside until needed.
  • Use the remaining butter-oil mixture to prepare the phyllo dough. Brush butter-oil mixture onto a baking sheet and lay down 1 sheet of phyllo. Brush more of the butter-oil mixture on top of the phyllo. Continue to layer 9 more sheets with butter-oil. Spread spinach topping evenly over 10th sheet of phyllo. Top spinach with 10 more sheets of phyllo, brushing butter-oil on each layer. Turn up edges of dough and press to seal.
  • Bake spinach pie for 45 minutes, until top is golden and risen. Use a knife to check the bottom to make sure it is nice and crispy. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Slice and serve.

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Albanian spinach pie, also known as "byrek me spinaq" or "pite," is a traditional savory pastry made with phyllo dough and spinach filling. It is a beloved dish in Albanian cuisine and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The recipe for Albanian spinach pie has been passed down through generations, and it has evolved over time to include various spices, herbs, and additional fillings.

History

Spinach pies have been popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines for thousands of years. The Ottomans introduced phyllo dough to the Balkans during their occupation, and it quickly became a staple in Albanian cuisine. The first mentions of Albanian spinach pie date back to the 17th century, although it is likely that the dish has been prepared for centuries before that. The traditional recipe for Albanian spinach pie has remained largely unchanged, although variations exist across the region.

Preparation

Albanian spinach pie is made with simple and easy-to-find ingredients. The filling typically consists of spinach, onions, feta cheese, eggs, and various herbs and spices. The phyllo dough is layered with the filling, creating a delicious and flaky pastry that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To prepare the dish, the spinach is first washed and chopped finely. The onions are also chopped and cooked until they are soft and translucent. The feta cheese is crumbled and mixed with the spinach, onions, and other seasonings, including salt, pepper, and paprika. The eggs are then added to the mixture, binding everything together. The phyllo dough is layered with the filling, and the edges are folded over to seal the pie. The pie is then baked in the oven until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy.

Variations

Albanian spinach pie has evolved over time, and variations of the dish exist across the Balkan region. In Albania, "byrek me kungull dhe spinaq" is a popular variation that includes pumpkin, spinach, and feta cheese. In Greece, "spanakopita" is made with the same basic ingredients but includes dill and lemon juice for a tangy flavor. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, "zeljanica" is a similar dish that includes a mixture of spinach, cheese, and eggs.

Serving

Albanian spinach pie is typically served warm and is often paired with a creamy yogurt sauce. It can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer, and it makes a great addition to any potluck or dinner party. The pie can be cut into small squares or large slices, depending on the occasion.

Conclusion

Albanian spinach pie is a delicious and easy-to-make savory pastry that is loved by Albanians and visitors alike. Its flaky crust and spinach filling make it a perfect meal for any time of day. Whether you are looking for a warm and comforting meal or a delicious appetizer to share with friends, Albanian spinach pie is sure to satisfy.
Byrek me spinaq, also known as spinach pie, is a traditional Albanian dish that is a popular staple in Albanian cuisine. It is a delicious and nutritious dish packed with iron and other essential nutrients from the spinach. The pie is made by combining spinach, savory feta cheese, and other herbs and spices, and then baking it in a light and crispy phyllo pastry. The dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be served hot or cold. If you are planning to make Albanian spinach pie for the first time, this guide will provide you with valuable tips that will help you achieve the perfect pie.

Tips for Making Albanian Spinach Pie

1. Choose high-quality ingredients
The quality of the ingredients you choose will play a significant role in the flavor and texture of your Albanian spinach pie. Make sure you get fresh and high-quality spinach, feta cheese, and phyllo pastry. If possible, go for organic spinach as it will have a better flavor, more nutrients, and fewer chemicals. Choose crumbled feta cheese that is not too salty, and make sure the phyllo pastry is fresh and not dried out.
2. Don't use too much filling
When making Albanian spinach pie, you may be tempted to add more filling to the pastry to make it more filling. However, this is not advisable as too much filling may cause the pastry to become soggy and not cook evenly. It is essential to balance the filling with the pastry ratio to ensure a crispy texture.
3. Cook the spinach before adding it to the filling
One of the mistakes that many people make when making Albanian spinach pie is not cooking the spinach before adding it to the filling. Raw spinach contains a lot of water, which can make the pie soggy and ruin the flavor. Therefore, it's important to sauté the spinach before adding it to the filling. Sautéing will help to reduce the water and also add a delicious flavor to the pie.
4. Mix the filling ingredients well
To achieve the best flavor and texture for your Albanian spinach pie, it's crucial to mix the filling ingredients well. Make sure the spinach and feta cheese are evenly distributed and mixed with the other flavors such as onion, garlic, and herbs. This will ensure that you get a delicious and balanced flavor in every bite.
5. Brush the phyllo pastry with melted butter
Phyllo pastry is a delicate pastry that can be challenging to work with. One of the best ways to ensure that the pastry is light, crispy, and golden brown when cooked is to brush it with melted butter before baking. Brushing the pastry with butter adds a delicious flavor and also helps to crisp it up when baked.
6. Cut the pie into small pieces
Albanian spinach pie is a very filling dish, and a little goes a long way. Therefore, it's essential to cut the pie into small pieces, so it's easy to serve and eat. Cutting the pie into small pieces also ensures that everyone gets a chance to taste the delicious flavors in every bite.
7. Serve with a tangy sauce or salad
Albanian spinach pie is a tasty and filling dish that can be served on its own or with a tangy sauce or salad. A delicious yogurt sauce, made with garlic and herbs, is the perfect accompaniment to the pie. You can also serve the pie with a fresh garden salad, which will add a nice crunch to the dish.

Conclusion

Making Albanian spinach pie is not only easy but also a fun way to experiment with new and exciting flavors. By following these valuable tips, you can achieve the perfect pie that is light, crispy, and packed with delicious flavor. Always remember to use high-quality ingredients, balance the filling with the pastry, cook the spinach before adding it to the filling, mix the ingredients well, brush the pastry with butter, cut the pie into small pieces, and serve with a tangy sauce or salad. With these tips, you can impress your friends and family with a delicious Albanian spinach pie.

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