Indulge in the savory flavors of the Mediterranean with Cyprus Spanakopita. This traditional Greek-Cypriot dish features layers of delicate phyllo pastry filled with a rich and vibrant mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and aromatic herbs. Baked to golden perfection, each bite offers a delightful contrast of crispy pastry and creamy, flavorful filling. Whether enjoyed as a light snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, Cyprus Spanakopita embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, showcasing the fresh, wholesome ingredients and timeless culinary traditions of the region. Try your hand at crafting this beloved dish and transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Cyprus.

Here's a classic recipe for Cyprus Spanakopita:

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 kg fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 250g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For assembling:

• 1 packet (about 400g) phyllo pastry sheets
• 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

3- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

4- Once the spinach is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Allow it to cool slightly.

5- To the bowl with spinach, add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped spring onions, parsley, dill, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well to combine.

6- Take your phyllo pastry sheets out of the package and carefully unroll them. Cover them with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out.

7- Brush a baking dish with some melted butter or olive oil.

8- Layer 4-5 sheets of phyllo pastry in the bottom of the baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter or olive oil before adding the next.

9- Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the phyllo pastry.

10- Continue layering the remaining sheets of phyllo pastry on top of the spinach mixture, brushing each sheet with melted butter or olive oil.

11- Once all the pastry sheets are used, tuck any excess pastry into the sides of the baking dish to form a neat edge.

12- Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of pastry into squares or triangles, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom.

13- Brush the top of the pastry with the remaining melted butter or olive oil.

14- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

15- Once baked, remove the Cyprus Spanakopita from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cyprus Spanakopita as a delightful appetizer, snack, or part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal!

Nutritional Value:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients in Cyprus Spanakopita based on typical values:

Spinach (per 100g):

• Calories: 23 kcal
• Protein: 2.9g
• Carbohydrates: 3.6g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Fat: 0.4g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and calcium.
• High in antioxidants, which may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Supports bone health, heart health, and may aid in digestion.

Feta Cheese (per 100g):

• Calories: 264 kcal
• Protein: 14.2g
• Carbohydrates: 4.1g
• Fat: 21.3g
• Calcium: 493mg
• Sodium: 1116mg

benefits:

• Good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health.
• Contains probiotics that support gut health.
• Provides vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and phosphorus.

Phyllo Pastry (per 100g):

• Calories: 299 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fat: 8.9g

benefits:

• Low in fat and cholesterol-free.
• Contains some carbohydrates for energy.
• Phyllo dough is versatile and can be used in various recipes.

Olive Oil (per tablespoon - about 14g):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 14g

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
• Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• May help improve cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

Onion (per 100g):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1.1g
• Carbohydrates: 9.3g
• Fiber: 1.7g
• Fat: 0.1g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants like quercetin, which may reduce inflammation and fight chronic diseases.
• Contains prebiotics that promote gut health and support digestion.
• May help regulate blood sugar levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

Parsley (per 100g):

• Calories: 36 kcal
• Protein: 2.9g
• Carbohydrates: 6.3g
• Fiber: 3.3g
• Fat: 0.8g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron.
• High in antioxidants that support immune function and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• May have diuretic properties and support kidney health.

Dill (per 100g):

• Calories: 43 kcal
• Protein: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Fat: 1.1g

benefits:

• Contains essential oils like carvone and limonene, which have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
• Rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.
• May aid in digestion and provide relief from digestive issues like bloating and gas.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values for the overall dish will depend on the proportions of ingredients used and serving size.