Rich Spinach Pie

This rich and indulgent spinach pie is a delightful side dish perfect for elegant dinners, fancy luncheons, or brunches. It features a creamy custard filling loaded with fresh spinach, onions, and Parmesan cheese, all baked to perfection in a savory pie crust. You can even make it heartier by adding cooked meat or seafood of your choice. For a quicker version, you can skip the crust and bake the custard in a shallow baking dish or pie plate.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 recipe Savory Piecrust (prebaked)
• Salt
• 2 pounds spinach, trimmed and well washed
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup cream, half-and-half, or milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs (preferably)
• 2 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Spinach: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and chopped onion, and cook for about a minute until the spinach wilts. Drain thoroughly and allow it to cool slightly. Then, squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach and chop it.
2. Prepare the Custard: In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach and onion with minced garlic, lightly beaten eggs, cream (or half-and-half/milk), and about half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
3. Assemble the Pie: Pour the spinach mixture into the prebaked pie crust, spreading it evenly. Top it with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese, followed by the fresh bread crumbs. Dot the surface with butter or drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
4. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake until the filling is hot, set, and the top is golden brown. This usually takes about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent scorching, and if needed, lower the oven temperature slightly.
5. Serve: Once the spinach pie is baked to perfection, you can serve it hot, warm, or at room temperature. The creamy custard, flavorful spinach, and crispy crust make this dish an absolute treat.

VARIATION:

Spinach-Feta Pie For a different twist, you can make a Spinach-Feta Pie by substituting the Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese. Mix all the feta into the spinach mixture in step 2 for a tangy and savory flavor combination.

Enjoy this delicious and decadent spinach pie as a delightful addition to any meal, whether it’s a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.

With its creamy custard, vibrant spinach, and flavorful cheese, this rich spinach pie is sure to impress your guests and elevate any meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded vegetarian feast. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with your favorite additions, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it hot, warm, or at room temperature, the delicious flavors and textures of this spinach pie will leave everyone wanting more. So, go ahead and indulge in this delightful Mediterranean classic and savor every bite of this decadent treat!