Byrek me Spinaq (Albanian Spinach and Cheese Pie)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) fresh spinach, or 2 lbs frozen spinach, thawed
• 8 oz (225g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup (225g) ricotta cheese
• 3 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb (450g) phyllo dough sheets
• 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil

Before you cook

• If using fresh spinach, wilt it briefly in a hot pan and let it cool.
• Squeeze the spinach firmly to remove as much water as possible.
• Crumble the feta cheese.

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Combine the squeezed spinach, feta, ricotta and eggs in a large bowl.
3. Season the filling with salt and pepper and mix well.
4. Brush a baking pan with olive oil.
5. Lay one sheet of phyllo in the pan and brush lightly with olive oil.
6. Layer a second sheet on top, rotating its direction, and brush with oil again.
7. Repeat until half of the phyllo sheets have been layered in the pan.
8. Spread the spinach filling evenly over the layered phyllo.
9. Lay the remaining phyllo sheets over the filling, brushing each one with olive oil and rotating the direction as before.
10. Brush the top layer generously with the remaining olive oil.
11. Score the top into serving squares with a sharp knife.
12. Bake for 45 minutes until deep golden brown and crisp.
13. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before cutting along the scored lines.