SPANAKOPITA

Spanakopita or spinach pie. This was a staple in our family until I became vegan, then we found it difficult to replace the feta cheese and the egg.  Egg was easier; we just omitted it, but the feta was more difficult, there was no vegan cheese alternative that was to my taste.
 
But of course, like any traditional cultural dish, it is made differently in each home. You do not need cheese, as long as you have spinach, onions, herbs and good pastry.
 
Today, we are so lucky to have Hungry Soul cream cheese alternatives that make any dish you add it to a little cheesy and very, very tasty… Happy Days!
 
INGREDIENTS:
Serves 4 

For the filing:

• 1 bag of baby spinach ...
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tub of Hungry Soul - Garlic and Chives 
• a little salt
• a drop of olive oil 
• ½ tsp of dried oregano
• A few springs of basil, fresh if you have it on hand

 
For the pastry:

• Plain flour    200g
• Vegan butter 100g ( cold from the fridge )
• A few tablespoons of ice-cold water

 
METHOD:
 For the filling

1. Soften your onion in a little olive oil on low heat until soft; you do not want it to brown. Set aside.
2. Wash your spinach, but do not bother to dry, just wilt it in a pan. One cooked, chop it nice and small.
3. Mix the spinach, the onion, and the herbs together and set aside.

 
For the pastry:

1. Cut the butter into the flour with a knife, then use your hands to crumble it all. Move quickly so as not to warm the pastry too much. Add a tbsp at a time of ice-cold water until it all comes together into a ball.
2. Let it rest in the fridge for 30 min. If made the day before, take it out 30 minutes before you need it.
3. Split the ball in two and roll it out to desired size, quite thin.

 
Assemble it together.
 
On one of the layers of pastry, spread out 2/3 of the tub of Hungry Soul, leaving a 2cm edge. Spread the spinach mixture over the cheese then cover with the other layer of pastry, and press the edge together. Make a few holes with a fork.
 
Put it into a hot oven at 200 °C, then turn it down to 180 °C and cook until browning, approx. 15 to 20minutes.
 
Allow to cool, 5 minutes before cutting and serving ... the taste is better.
 
Bon Appétit!

Jacques  

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