| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 875 | 68g | 35g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 1g | 55g | 1.75g |
Why I Love Greek Fish and Cheese Pie
Coming across a recipe such as the Greek Fish and Cheese Pie was one of those serendipitous moments in my kitchen journey where I felt my love for Afro-Southern traditions meet with the flavors of the Mediterranean. The Fish and Cheese pie, with its delightful blend of Mediterranean ingredients, casts a familiar warmth that I’ve come to associate with both Southern and Nigerian cuisine.
Blending Flavors from Across the World
As someone who grew up with the richness of Southern American cuisine, cooking has always been about combining regional comfort with culinary exploration. A dash of pepper here and a pinch of Nigerian spice there can reinvent the classics in ways that make them universally appealing. The Fish and Cheese Pie is a remarkably rich and savory recipe, packed with Feta and Mozzarella—cheeses that aren’t common in my African heritage, but bring a unique, creamy tang to this wholesome dish that reminds me of the comforting cheesiness of a Southern mac ‘n’ cheese.
Finding Inspiration: The Greek Connection
Inspired by Wolfgang Puck’s love for international cuisine, I yearned to create dishes that bring diverse worlds together on one plate, just like this recipe does. The Fish and Cheese Pie, in its essence, is similar to Greek Spanakopita, only it replaces the traditional spinach filling with a delightful mixture of white fish, two types of cheese, and sautéed spinach. Much like the Spanakopita, the dish is enveloped in layers of phyllo pastry, thin as a whisper, and then baked to golden perfection.
Pair this pie with a simple Greek Salad or a tangy Tzatziki sauce, and you will have an authentic Mediterranean meal that transports you to the sunny shores of Greece, while never being too far away from the comforting flavors we’re accustomed to back home.
Such fusion recipes are a testament that the love for food knows no boundaries, a statement that resonates deeply with my culinary philosophy. So, whether it is breaking bread across cultures or creating a dinner table that is universally welcoming, dishes like this Fish and Cheese Pie are what make the journey deliciously rewarding.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs white fish fillets
- 1 cup crumbled Feta Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 cups Spinach, raw
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 roll of Phyllo Dough (about 20 sheets)
- 1 extra beaten Egg for brushing phyllo dough
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried Oregano
- 1 tsp dried Basil
- 1 tbsp fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 cup Butter, melted
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with a bit of the melted butter. Set aside.
Step Two
In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Add in the spinach and continue to cook until it wilts. Set aside.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the white fish fillets, crumbled Feta Cheese, shredded Mozzarella Cheese, sautéd vegetables, dried oregano, dried basil, eggs, heavy cream, lemon juice, and some salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
Step Four
Unroll your phyllo dough. Place one sheet into the prepared baking dish, lightly brush it with the melted butter, and then repeat the process until you have a base layer of around 10 sheets of phyllo.
Step Five
Spoon the fish filling into the baking dish, evenly distributing it over the phyllo dough. Make sure to press it down slightly so it sits nicely.
Step Six
Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the filling, brushing each sheet with the melted butter as you did before. Once the final sheet is in place, brush it with the beaten egg.
Step Seven
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook the pie for about 45 mins to 1 hour, or until it is golden and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
Step Eight
Serve your delicious Fish and Cheese Pie warm, enjoy!
