Vegetarian Spinach and Onion Pies
The first time I tried these delectable pies, I was in love. The smooth yet slightly crispy pastry shell filled with a delicious medley of spinach, onions and cheese was an instant hit. I would always get excited when my friend invited me over to enjoy her fresh-made pies. Finally the day came when I asked for the recipe. It took me over a year to work up the courage to actually make my own batch. It was not as difficult as I thought it would be and the sense of accomplishment I had afterwards was completely satisfying, as were the pies. This is an easy recipe, but it does take a little time to assemble the pies. Go for it because you will not be sorry!
Ingredients for spinach filling:
2 cups frozen spinach, thawed- or fresh spinach that has been steamed
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 ½ tsp. dried dill or nutmeg (both are delicious)
1 cup onion, diced
Pinch of salt
Ingredients for pastry dough:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1-2 cups white flour (you can use all whole wheat flour, but this makes it more difficult to roll out)
½ cup toasted wheat germ
2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
½ cup olive oil
½ cup water
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup ground flax seed (optional)
Preparation:
Mix all the ingredients of the spinach filling together. Set aside. For the pastry dough, mix together dry ingredients (you can mix by hand or by using your stand mixer with the dough hook). Add the oil and mix until the dough resembles breadcrumbs. Slowly add the water until it comes together like a dough. Use enough water so that it is not dry and falling about but not too wet and sticky either. Knead for a couple of minutes before rolling out on a floured surface. Cut into large rectangles. Place a scoop of spinach filling onto one side of each rectangle. Fold over and pinch shut. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F. for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm or cold. These also taste good dipped in an Italian or vinaigrette dressing.
Amanda is a student of frugal and healthy living. She also enjoys reading, history, music theory, calligraphy and illuminated lettering, crocheting, and being out of doors.
Visit her website www. upwardliving. homestead. com for resources on shopping and cooking on a budget, a menu template, cleaning checklists and charts, recipes for non-toxic cleaning solutions, tips for couponing, and coupon websites!
Technorati Tags: Onion, Pies, Spinach, vegetarian
May 9th, 2011 
admin 
Posted in 
Tags: 
