A traditional Greek spinach pie covered in flaky phyllo dough, spanakopita is a filling and tasty dish that can quickly become the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving dinner. It represents a variety of cultural customs and is the ideal accompaniment to a Thanksgiving meal because of its savory flavors and festive presentation.

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Ingredients

For the filling:

• 2 pounds fresh spinach (or 1.5 pounds frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, finely sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 10 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the phyllo dough:

• 1 package phyllo dough (usually 16-20 sheets), thawed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (or olive oil for a lighter version)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the spinach (fresh or thawed) and cook until wilted (if fresh) or heated through. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  • Stir in parsley, dill, feta, ricotta (if using), and eggs. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Prepare the Phyllo Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Carefully lay one sheet of phyllo dough into the dish, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Repeat with about 6-8 sheets, layering and buttering each sheet.

Assemble the Spanakopita:

• Spread the spinach filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
  • Cover the filling with another 6-8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with butter or olive oil. Tuck in the edges or trim excess dough for a neat appearance.
  • Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top layer into squares or diamond shapes (to make cutting easier after baking).

Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
  • Let it cool slightly before serving.

Significance for Thanksgiving

The classic Thanksgiving feast is given a distinctive, Mediterranean touch with spanakopita. Thanksgiving is a great time to serve foods that celebrate a variety of culinary traditions since it is a time for thankfulness and the merging of ethnic influences.
• Diversity: Serving Spanakopita emphasizes how multicultural Thanksgiving is today, particularly in households with Greek or Mediterranean ancestry.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a great alternative for vegetarians, guaranteeing a filling and tasty meal for everyone at the table.
• Symbolism: The layers of phyllo dough represent the layers of family, community, and customs that converge on Thanksgiving.
• Versatility: Traditional Thanksgiving fare like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and roasted veggies go well with spanakopita.
You may embrace the flavors of international cuisine and pay tribute to a custom of thankfulness by including Spanakopita in your Thanksgiving table.