What inspired the decision to create a vegan version of Spanakopita?
Intro:
Get ready to try a healthy and delicious vegan twist on a traditional Greek favorite, Spanakopita. This savory pastry, filled with spinach and feta, is usually made with animal products. But, with this recipe, you can enjoy a scrumptious Spanakopita without harming the animals or your health! We’ll be using tofu and cashew cheese for the filling, and the result may be even yummier than the original. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
– 1 pack of phyllo pastry sheets (thawed)
– 1 cup of raw cashews, soaked overnight
– 1 block of firm tofu
– 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp of lemon juice
– 2 tbsp of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic for 5 minutes, until translucent.
3. Add the spinach to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often.
4. While the spinach is cooking, prepare the cashew cheese. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Blend them with 1/2 cup of water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
5. Dice the tofu and add it to the pan with the spinach. Season with salt and pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool down for a few minutes.
7. Now, unfold the phyllo pastry sheets and cut them to fit your baking dish.
8. Brush the bottom of the dish with olive oil and layer the phyllo sheets, brushing each sheet with olive oil.
9. Add the spinach and tofu mixture to the dish and spread it evenly.
10. Spread the cashew cheese on top of the spinach and tofu layer.
11. Layer more phyllo sheets on top of the cheese, brushing each sheet with olive oil. Fold and tuck in the edges.
12. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the Spanakopita is golden brown.
13. Remove from the oven and let it cool down for 10 minutes before serving.
Outro:
There you go! Your vegan Spanakopita, made entirely with plant-based ingredients, is now ready to be served. This wholesome pastry is perfect for a light dinner, an appetizer, or a snack. Regardless of the occasion, you can rest assured that you’re taking a step towards a cruelty-free and healthier lifestyle. Enjoy!