Spinach Pie (Albanian Byrek me Spinaq)

Byrek me Spinaq, is an Albanian spinach pie. Plentiful soil and fertile climate found in the central part of the country make vegetables plentiful and readily available in the farmers markets of Albania that are open daily. Freshness is the key. I happened to have lots of spinach and onions on hand and this recipe was a wonderful way to use them up.

2 bunches spinach about 1 lb, chopped
½ cup green onions, chopped
1 cup feta cheese, diced
2 eggs
½ tsp. sea salt
1 cup olive oil, divided
1 pkg phyllo dough sheets (about 28 sheets)

In a bowl, sprinkle the chopped spinach with salt.

Add the feta, ½ cup of olive oil, onions, eggs and mix all together and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a 8 or 9” pie tin, brush the bottom with some olive oil ( you will be using approx. ½ cup of olive oil to brush the layers of Phyllo dough.

Lay two sheets of dough and brush with oil. Let the dough hang over the pie tin about 1” around. Repeat this process until ½ of the sheets are laid. Pour in the spinach mixture. Finish by covering the mixture with two sheet of dough at time, using the same method as the bottom half. Roll the edges up like a pizza crust. Bush the top with olive oil.

Bake for 45 minutes or until a golden brown.

Serve warm.

Makes 8 servings.