I can't imagine Passover without this dish. Spinach pie which, during the year I top with buttered phyllo sheets and sometimes with puff pastry, depending on the occasion.
On Passover it gets a matzo crust -- like this one, ready for the oven.
It's a versatile dish too. You can make it plain or add mushrooms or make it with cheese. You can also switch to kale or other greens if you prefer.
Nice for a meatless dinner too.
SPINACH PIE with MATZO CRUST
- 2 10-ounce packages frozen whole leaf spinach, thawed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups cut up mushrooms, optional
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled, optional
- 6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 sheets matzo
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Squeeze as much water out of the spinach as possible and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly softened. Add the mushrooms, if used, and cook, stirring often, for another 2-3 minutes or until the mushrooms are softened. Stir in the spinach and mix well. Remove the pan from the heat. For dairy, add the feta and Parmesan cheeses and mix them in. Add 3 of the eggs, the dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and place in a baking dish. Soak the matzo in cold water to cover for 1-2 minutes or until softened but not mushy. Shake off excess water. Place the matzo on top of the spinach mixture. Beat the remaining egg and brush over the top of the matzot. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 4-8 servings (as main course or side dish)