Mediterranean Spinach Pie – A Savory, Flaky Comfort Food Classic – Black Foodie Finder

A Flaky and Flavorful Mediterranean Favorite

Golden, buttery, and filled with tender spinach, creamy cheeses, and fresh dill, Mediterranean Spinach Pie is a savory baked dish wrapped in delicate layers of phyllo pastry. Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this comforting recipe brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors to the family table.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 1 bunch green scallions, chopped
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 pounds fresh spinach, or 2 packages (8 ounces) frozen spinach, chopped
• 6 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ pound feta cheese, crumbled
• 8 ounces cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons farina
• ½ cup fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ pound phyllo pastry leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when the pie is assembled.
2. Sauté the scallions. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped scallions and cook until softened and fragrant.
3. Prepare the spinach. Bring a small amount of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the spinach, cover, and cook just until wilted. Drain thoroughly, pressing out excess moisture to prevent a soggy filling.
4. Make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed scallions, beaten eggs, crumbled feta, cottage cheese, farina, fresh dill, spinach, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
5. Prepare the phyllo pastry. Melt the remaining 1 cup of butter. Carefully unwrap the phyllo sheets and keep them covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Arrange pastry sheets inside a springform pan, brushing with melted butter and allowing the edges to extend over the sides.
6. Fill and fold. Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pastry-lined pan, spreading evenly. Fold the overhanging phyllo over the filling, then cover with two additional sheets brushed with butter.
7. Bake until golden. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the pie is puffed.
8. Rest and serve. Remove from the oven and allow the pie to rest for 15 minutes. Carefully release the springform pan, transfer the pie to a serving platter, and enjoy warm.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Drain spinach thoroughly. Removing excess water helps keep the phyllo layers crisp and prevents a watery filling.
• Keep phyllo covered. Phyllo pastry dries quickly, so cover unused sheets with a slightly damp kitchen towel while assembling.
• Brush each layer lightly. Evenly distributing the melted butter helps create a golden, flaky crust.
• Add a little lemon zest. For a brighter Mediterranean-inspired variation, mix fresh lemon zest into the spinach filling.
• Serve with a fresh salad. Pair with cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy filling.

About the Creator

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) celebrates African American culinary heritage through The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, a collection of treasured recipes and family food traditions.

Mediterranean Spinach Pie highlights the cookbook’s variety of flavors, bringing together fresh greens, cheeses, and flaky pastry in a comforting family-style dish.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

The original Mediterranean Spinach Pie recipe appears in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., published by Simon & Schuster.

This Black Foodie adaptation preserves the original ingredients and cooking method while presenting the instructions in updated language. Pro tips and serving suggestions are additional recommendations from Black Foodie.