Introduction
These golden, flaky pastries are a classic Mediterranean treat. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, they turn simple spinach and feta into a deliciously impressive snack or meal.
Ingredients
1 pack Phyllo dough or Yufka (thawed)
300g Fresh spinach (chopped and wilted)
200g Feta cheese (crumbled)
1/2 cup Plain yogurt
2 large Eggs (one for filling, one for egg wash)
1/2 cup Butter (melted) or Olive oil
1 tsp Nigella seeds or Sesame seeds (for topping)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Filling:
Squeeze all excess moisture from the wilted spinach. In a bowl, combine spinach, crumbled feta, one egg, and a pinch of pepper.
Prepare the Liquid:
Whisk together the yogurt and melted butter (or olive oil). This will be brushed on the phyllo layers to keep them moist and create light, airy layers.
Layer the Dough:
Place one sheet of phyllo on a clean surface and brush lightly with the yogurt-butter mixture. Stack another sheet on top and repeat the process.
Add Filling and Roll:
Place a line of the spinach-feta mixture along the edge of the dough. Roll into a cylinder, then either coil into a spiral or leave straight.
Egg Wash and Topping:
Brush the tops with a beaten egg and sprinkle with nigella or sesame seeds.
Bake:
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
How to Make
Moisture Control:
Ensure the spinach is completely dry before mixing; excess moisture can make the pastry soggy.
Layering:
Use plenty of the yogurt-butter wash between layers to create light, airy pockets.
Resting:
Let the pastries sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow the steam to settle, which makes slicing easier.
Variations
Meat Filling:
Replace spinach with cooked ground beef seasoned with onions, allspice, and pine nuts.
Potato Version:
Use mashed potatoes mixed with sautéed onions and paprika for a hearty vegetarian option.
Cheese Medley:
Combine feta with mozzarella and ricotta for a creamier, milder flavor.
Tips
Work Quickly:
Phyllo dough dries out fast. Keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel.
Individual Servings:
Make small “cigars” or coils for easy serving at parties.
Freeze for Later:
Assemble raw pastries and freeze. Bake directly from the freezer, adding 10 extra minutes.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 220–280 kcal
Protein: 9g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Healthy Benefits
Iron & Vitamin K:
Spinach is rich in these nutrients, supporting overall health.
Calcium:
Feta and yogurt boost bone strength.
Probiotics:
Yogurt adds beneficial acids and a slight tang.
Satiety:
High in protein and healthy fats, these pastries keep you full longer than a typical bread roll.
Conclusion
Crispy, flavorful, and versatile, these Turkish-style pastries transform simple greens and cheese into a Mediterranean delight. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a side dish.
If you want, I can also make an even more visually structured version with numbered steps, spacing for each paragraph, and bolded key points to make it look like a professional recipe blog post.