Spanakopita with Halloumi

Spanakopita is a Cypriot spinach pie and essentially spinach pie from scratch. I've learned how to make it from my mother-in-law, and I am constantly asked by friends and family for the recipe whenever someone new tries it. It takes some time to make, but please don't be discouraged - once you've tried it, you will not regret.

• Preparation Time: 60 mins
• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins
• Calories: 732 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 pound fresh spinach
• 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
• 2 cups crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup halloumi cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add oil, egg, and yogurt. Add milk gradually until a smooth, pliable dough forms that does not stick. Form into a ball, cover in plastic wrap, and place dough in the refrigerator to rest for about 1 hour.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Oil a glass baking dish.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add spinach and cook for 1 minute. Drain and let cool.

Step 4

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until transparent, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 5

Chop cooled spinach and combine with onion in a bowl. Add feta cheese, Cheddar cheese, then halloumi cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add eggs.

Step 6

Take dough from refrigerator and knead on a clean surface. Divide into 2 pieces, 1 slightly larger than the other. Roll out larger piece of dough to cover bottom and sides of the prepared baking dish, using your hands to stretch the dough.

Step 7

Spread filling into dough-lined baking dish. Roll out remaining dough to fit and place on top of filling. Pinch sides to enclose filling. Cut a cross on top and brush lightly with milk.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven until golden on top and risen, about 45 minutes.