I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Feta Spinach Pie. I was craving something comforting but a little different from the usual. I was browsing through his cookbooks one evening when the combination of creamy feta and earthy spinach jumped off the page. I didn’t think twice-I had to make it. The result? It was pure comfort food with a fresh twist. The flaky pastry, the rich filling, and the balance of flavors made me wonder why I hadn’t tried it sooner.
This pie became one of my go-to recipes for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just when I wanted something to savor. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and loaded with ingredients that bring so much flavor together. If you’re looking for something that’s got all the warmth of a classic pie but with a Mediterranean vibe, this one’s for you.
Jamie Oliver’s Feta Spinach Pie Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Feta Spinach Pie is as simple as it is delicious. It’s a vibrant dish that brings together the natural sweetness of spinach with the tangy richness of feta. The crispy puff pastry adds that perfect crunch, making each bite a dream.
I often think about how Jamie’s recipes are so accessible and focused on high-quality ingredients that don’t require too much effort to put together. This particular pie feels indulgent without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a weekday meal or a special occasion, yet doesn’t feel too fancy or out of reach.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this pie-nothing too complex, but each ingredient brings its own magic to the table:
- Spinach (fresh or frozen): Fresh spinach is fantastic for this pie, but frozen spinach can also work just as well. It adds that earthy, slightly sweet flavor and an excellent dose of nutrients.
- Feta cheese: The creamy, salty goodness of feta is the star of this pie. I prefer a good quality, full-fat feta for richness and flavor.
- Puff pastry: You can’t beat the convenience and light, buttery crunch of puff pastry. It forms the perfect base and top for the filling.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the filling a bit of a custardy texture when baked.
- Olive oil: A good splash of olive oil helps sauté the spinach and adds a slight fruitiness to the flavor.
- Garlic and onion: A few cloves of garlic and a small onion give depth to the filling.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg is a must. It adds that comforting warmth and a slight spice that balances the richness of the feta.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Feta Spinach Pie
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s break down the process. Trust me, it’s simpler than it sounds.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Sauté the spinach: Heat some olive oil in a large pan and add chopped onions and garlic. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, add the spinach. If using fresh spinach, you’ll need to cook it down until wilted. If using frozen, just thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- Cool the spinach: Let the cooked spinach cool for a few minutes. This step is crucial, as excess moisture can make the pie soggy.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled spinach, crumbled feta, eggs, a sprinkle of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the pie: Roll out the puff pastry. Line the bottom of the baking dish with one sheet of pastry, then pour in the spinach and feta mixture. Top with the second sheet of pastry. Pinch the edges to seal the pie and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Pop the pie into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overbake.
- Serve and enjoy: Once it’s out of the oven, let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. The filling should be creamy and set, while the pastry should be perfectly golden.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The magic behind this recipe comes not just from the combination of flavors but also from the way the ingredients work together.
- Spinach: Spinach is high in water content, so when cooking it down, it reduces in size. This is why you need to cook it properly to get rid of the excess moisture that could make your pie soggy.
- Feta: Feta cheese is packed with salt, which helps elevate the other flavors, especially the spinach. It also has a crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy richness from the eggs.
- Puff pastry: The beauty of puff pastry lies in its layers. As it bakes, the water in the dough turns to steam, creating pockets of air and making the pastry light and flaky. That’s why it’s perfect for a dish like this, where you want a contrast between a creamy filling and crisp, airy crust.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to drain spinach properly: Excess moisture from the spinach can ruin your pie. If you’re using frozen spinach, squeeze out all the water. For fresh spinach, ensure you cook it long enough to release its moisture, and let it cool down before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Use high-quality feta: The flavor of feta really shines in this dish, so invest in good feta. Greek feta, made from sheep’s milk, tends to have a richer taste compared to the cow’s milk varieties.
- Chill the pastry before baking: If your puff pastry feels a bit soft when assembling, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking. This ensures it puffs up beautifully.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: After baking, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the pie for an added zing. It brightens up the rich flavors.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie Oliver’s Feta Spinach Pie is a crowd-pleaser on its own, you can experiment with a few variations to change things up.
- Add other greens: Try adding a handful of chard or kale along with the spinach for a more robust filling.
- Use ricotta: If you’re not a fan of feta, ricotta cheese is a smooth and creamy substitute. It’ll make the filling more delicate.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or throw in some dried oregano for a bit more Mediterranean flavor.
- Go meatless: If you want to make it even more vegetarian-friendly, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.
- Mix in nuts: Chopped pine nuts or walnuts can add a nice crunch and complement the richness of the feta.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Feta Spinach Pie isn’t just a recipe-it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. The ingredients come together effortlessly, and the result is nothing short of delightful. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just a quiet evening to yourself, this pie will never disappoint. It’s one of those dishes that feels homemade but doesn’t require hours of prep. And the best part? It’s universally loved. Serve it warm with a side salad or enjoy it on its own. Either way, it’s going to be a hit.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Cheese In Jamie Oliver’s Feta Spinach Pie?
Yes, you can substitute feta with ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor. Just keep the texture in mind.
How Long Do I Bake Jamie Oliver’s Feta Spinach Pie?
Bake it for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Feta Spinach Pie Ahead Of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the pie in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving.