Description
These easy gluten-free spanakopita parcels combine tender spinach, savory feta cheese, and fresh herbs wrapped in crisp gluten-free phyllo pastry. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack, these golden, flaky parcels bake to perfection in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying gluten-free treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 250 g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 150 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
Pastry
- 8 sheets gluten-free phyllo pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the parcels.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release flavors.
- Cook spinach: Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly to avoid wilting the cheese in the next step.
- Mix filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with crumbled feta, chopped dill, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare phyllo layers: Lay one sheet of gluten-free phyllo pastry on a clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Place a second sheet on top and brush again to create a layered base for the parcels.
- Cut and add filling: Cut the layered phyllo sheets into 4 equal squares. Spoon a portion of the spinach and feta filling onto the center of each square.
- Form parcels: Fold each square into a parcel by bringing edges together and pressing gently to seal, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the parcels on the prepared baking sheet with space between each. Brush the tops with additional melted butter or olive oil to help them become golden and crispy.
- Bake: Bake the parcels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the parcels to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavors.
Notes
- Using well-drained spinach will prevent soggy filling.
- Gluten-free phyllo sheets may be delicate; handle with care to avoid tearing.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried, but fresh ones give a brighter flavor.
- These parcels can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Butter provides a richer flavor, but olive oil is a great dairy-free alternative for brushing.
