Spinach Pie

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The original recipe was created by Emanuela Nova, Get Loose Volunteer, from a family recipe! Adapted when we were no longer able to get fresh ricotta.

Makes 4 portions, can be eaten hot or cold.

Ingredients

  • 1 pack frozen spinach * (or 500g fresh spinach, or a combination of other leafy greens eg chard, beetroot leaves)

  • 1 jar of Haverstock White (vegan nut feta style) *

  • 1 sheet of ready rolled puff pastry

  • 1 tsp salt & a pinch of pepper *

  • Optional; 1 red onion sliced, 50g butter (or vegan block) * , 2 tsp sugar * , 1 tbsp balsamic * , 2 tsp soya sauce*

    *ingredients available at Get Loose

Method

  1. Preheat the oven at 220 oC. But check your pastry instructions as some can be different.

  2. If adding the red onion layer, cook onions fr 3 mins with butter, add sugar, balsamic and soya sauce, caramelise for 15 mins and let cool.

  3. If using frozen spinach, thaw the spinach either in a pot on a low heat, or in the microwave. If you do this on the hob, don't add any water as the spinach will release some, as it starts defrosting. Place the spinach in a fine mesh strainer and try to remove as much liquid as possible.

    Be careful not to overheat the spinach, it should be fairly cold or at room temperature. If it becomes too hot, let it cool down before proceeding to the next step.

    If using fresh spinach or other leafy greens, quickly blanch them in boiling water, strain well and cool them down.

  4. Place the spinach in a large bowl and add the Haverstock white, salt and pepper.* Mix everything together well until the Haverstock White is fully incorporated with the spinach.

  5. Roll the puff pastry sheet, place on a baking tray. Add onion layer if using. Then fill it with the ricotta and spinach mix. Gently fold the edges to create a crust.

  6. Place the pie in the oven for 12 mins at 220 and then lower to 150oC for around 20 mins. Do check the pastry instructions as some can be different.

  7. Serve with salad, seasonal vegetables, or cool and take to a picnic.

*Get creative and experiment with different spices, herbs and even ground seeds, such as linseeds.