This Spinach and Feta Pie topped with crispy filo pastry with a hint of nutmeg is SO easy and can be made in 5 simple steps.

Spinach and Feta Pie - This Spinach and Feta Pie is SO easy and can be made in 5 simple steps. It’s so healthy, but also feels indulgent.

My friend first made me her Spinach and Feta Pie when we were on exchange in Paris. She’s Polish / Australian, and while I’m sure I’d eaten Spinach and Feta Pie before, this one stuck in my mind. The ease with which she whipped this up over a glass of wine, the flavours that were just so satisfying and delicious, the pastry that crunched in your mouth - I was hooked.

This one isn’t exactly the same as hers, but it’s my homage to her and that cold winter night when we were two naive Australian exchange students in Paris.

What makes this Spinach and Feta Pie so easy?

This Spinach and Feta Pie is just soooo easy because it’s microwave, mix, top, pop in the oven. We just

Microwave baby spinach.
Mix through pearl barley, feta, ricotta, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, lemon zest and eggs.
Pour into a tray and top with filo pastry, then pop in the oven.

It’s really that simple.

Microwave frozen spinach and then stir through pearl barley and microwave for a few more minutes.

Is this Spinach and Feta Pie healthy?

I much prefer to look at nutrients than calories when I’m looking at how healthy a dinner is, and I reckon this one really is quite healthy. Here’s why:

There is a LOT of spinach in this pie - you’re eating so many greens here, full of vitamins and minerals.
I use pearl barley to pad it out and soak up the excess liquid - this is a really healthy whole grain.
Eggs are high in protein, as is the cheeses in this dinner.
We only use a small quantity of pastry - there is no pastry on the bottom of the pie, it’s just to top it. This means there is way less pastry than a traditional spanakopita, and you get the best part of the pastry without the guilt. Also, of all types of pastry, filo pastry is the best for you.

So yes, I think this is healthy. You also get to feel like you’re eating something delicious and not depriving yourself, while eating healthily.

Mix feta, ricotta, lemon zest, salt and pepper and eggs, and pour into tray.

What ingredients you'll need to make Spinach and Feta Pie

Filling: Chopped frozen spinach, pearl barley, eggs, feta, ricotta, nutmeg, cinnamon, oregano, lemon, salt and pepper.
Topping: Fillo pastry and a spray of olive oil to make it crispy and golden

Gently lay / scrunch filo pastry over the top of the baking dish and spray with olive oil.

Top tip

There are two tips to make your Spinach and Feta Pie a success.

Firstly, don’t mix the ingredients in the pan you’re cooking in. We need the oil spray to be intact in the pan, and if you mix your ingredients in that pan there will be no spray and the pie will stick to the edge.

Secondly, let your pie cook once you take it out of the oven. At least 5 minutes, and if you can 10. This will let it set better before you serve it.

Substitutions

Vegetarian - This recipe is vegetarian.
Dairy Free - This is a tricky one to do dairy free. Your best bet would be to add silken tofu in place of ricotta, and dairy free shredded parmesan or olives in place of feta, but I have to admit I haven’t tried this.
Gluten Free - Use gluten free puff pastry, and add a single layer top rather than scrunching.

Kid-Friendly Variations

This recipe is designed for kids, just slice it into little squares.

Spinach and Feta Pie - This recipe is designed for kids, just slice it into little squares.

Equipment

You will need an oven, a baking dish, a microwave.

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