This savory pie with a creamy cottage cheese and spinach filling, paired with a rich blue cheese sauce, is a deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect for lunch or dinner, the combination of a buttery dough, fresh spinach, and savory flavors will surely be a hit. The blue cheese sauce adds a luxurious touch that complements the filling perfectly.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- 300 ml milk (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 120 g flour (about 1 cup)
- 30 g butter (about 2 tbsp)
- Olive oil, for greasing
For the Filling:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 300 g cottage cheese (preferably fatty)
- 200 g spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp dried garlic
- 1 tsp dried peppers
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 200 ml 20% cream (about 3/4 cup)
- 100 g blue cheese (about 1/2 cup, crumbled)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 100 g hard cheese (about 1 cup, grated)
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and a pinch of salt.
- Add 300 ml of milk and 120 g of flour, and mix until the dough forms.
- Add 30 g of melted butter and a splash of olive oil to make the dough smooth and soft.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes, then let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Add the spinach (if using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained). Cook until the spinach is wilted or heated through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach and onion with 300 g of cottage cheese.
- Add dried garlic, dried peppers, oregano, and the egg. Mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4-inch thick.
- Grease a pie dish or tart pan with olive oil and line it with the dough.
- Fill the dough with the spinach and cottage cheese mixture.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling or leave them exposed for a rustic look.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat 200 ml of cream over medium heat.
- Add 100 g of crumbled blue cheese and 1 tbsp of butter. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in 100 g of grated hard cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Bake the Pie:
- Bake the pie for 30-40 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Once the pie is done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the blue cheese sauce over the warm pie and serve.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a light salad on the side for a balanced meal.
- Pair with roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
- Serve with crispy garlic bread for an extra indulgence.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to drain the spinach well if using frozen to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese in the sauce to suit your taste; you can use less for a milder flavor.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants, which support overall health.
- Cottage cheese provides protein and calcium, essential for muscle repair and bone health.
- Blue cheese contains beneficial probiotics that support gut health.
Dietary Information:
- Contains dairy and eggs.
- Suitable for those who enjoy savory pies and rich flavors.
- Can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 170°C (340°F) for 10 minutes, or until warm.
- The sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days as well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This savory spinach and cottage cheese pie is a perfect balance of rich, creamy filling and crispy, buttery dough. The addition of the blue cheese sauce takes the dish to the next level, making it truly indulgent. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Plus, it’s simple enough for even novice bakers to make with ease!
Conclusion:
This savory pie is sure to impress with its flavorful filling and decadent blue cheese sauce. It’s a comforting, delicious dish that combines the goodness of spinach and cottage cheese with the richness of a buttery, golden crust. Whether for a casual meal or a special gathering, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy a slice of this homemade goodness that’s both easy to make and hard to resist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different cheese in place of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta or cream cheese can be used as substitutes for cottage cheese. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out. - Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture. - Is it possible to make this pie without the blue cheese sauce?
Absolutely! The pie is delicious on its own, but the blue cheese sauce adds an extra layer of flavor. - How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. You can insert a toothpick into the center to check if it comes out clean. - Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and bake it directly from the freezer at 170°C for about 40 minutes. - Can I make the pie without the egg in the filling?
Yes, you can skip the egg if preferred. The filling will still be creamy and delicious. - Can I substitute the butter with olive oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil instead of butter in both the dough and the sauce, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly. - How long will the leftover pie last?
Leftover pie can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. - Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for additional flavor and texture!