Greek cuisine is a shining example of Mediterranean fare, incorporating all of the best ingredients, flavors, and textures the region has to offer. Spanikopita, or spinach pie, is a popular dish at Greek restaurants. Whether this is your first time hearing about spanikopita or it’s your go-to appetizer, learn more about its origins below.

What You Should Know About Spanikopita

What Is It? 

Spanikopita is a pastry-like dish featuring buttery, flaky phyllo dough, and a savory filling. The mixture is made of flour, water, salt, olive oil, and a leavening agent. The chef rolls it into paper-thin sheets to create spanikopita’s delicate crispy shell. 

While the filling can vary from one Greek restaurant to another, spinach is typically the main component. Other ingredients include cheese, lemon, yogurt, and herbs, as well as leeks or scallions. Some chefs use a mixture of Greek cheeses, while others stick with feta.

Where Did Spanikopita Come From? 

Greeks have eaten pita, or pie made with phyllo and filling since ancient times. The poet Philoxenos wrote of honey and cheese pies and cheese wrapped in fig leaves served at a banquet in the 5th century. Because phyllo means “leaf,” some believe spanikopita and similar foods originated from those old recipes.

Similar pies are popular throughout the Mediterranean and feature local ingredients and variations. The version of spanikopita that is popular today hails from Epirus in northwest Greece. While cooks there were among the first to use a variety of greens, spinach didn’t arrive in Greece until the Byzantine era. Spinach is native to Persia, but gained popularity in Europe, first in Spain and later in Italy and Greece, for its effortless cultivation.

If you’re craving delectable Mediterranean cuisine, stop by Hope Pizza Restaurant. For more than 30 years, this Greek restaurant in Stamford, CT, has served up a variety of pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and salads, as well as spanikopita and other Greek favorites. Call (203) 325-0660 to schedule lunch delivery or make a reservation. Visit the website to view their restaurant and catering menus.