How many herbs can you fit into a pie? Four, apparently. Parsley, cilantro, arugula, and chard, all chopped and mixed with sauteed onion, lemon zest, and anari cheese. Layered between sheets of phyllo dough, each one brushed with olive oil. Baked at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 30 to 35 minutes until the phyllo is golden and shatteringly crisp.
The filling is almost entirely green, and it is awesome. The onion sweetens as it cooks and binds the herbs together. The lemon zest is bright and citrusy. The anari cheese, similar to ricotta, melts into the herbs and holds everything in place between the layers of phyllo. Each slice crackles when you cut it.
Delicious? You bet.
How to Make Middle Eastern Herb Pie
Saute the onion before mixing with herbs
Dice one large onion and cook in two tablespoons of olive oil until translucent. Let it cool before adding to the herb mixture.
Raw onion in the filling is too sharp and does not bind with the cheese. Cooked onion is sweet and soft.
Brush every phyllo sheet with olive oil
Eight sheets total, four on the bottom and four on top. Brush each one individually. The oil crisps the phyllo and prevents the layers from sticking.
Work quickly. Phyllo dries out and cracks when exposed to air. Keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel.
Middle Eastern Herb Pie
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Diet: Vegetarian
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Description
Rather than act as an accent, herbs are the star of this flaky, phyllo-y Middle Eastern Pie.
Ingredients
Units
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing the pastry
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup arugula, chopped
- 1 cup chard, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 cup anari cheese or ricotta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
- In a large bowl, combine the parsley, cilantro, arugula, chard, lemon zest, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Brush a baking dish with olive oil. Layer 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with olive oil.
- Spread the herb and cheese mixture over the phyllo.
- Layer the remaining 4 sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anari cheese?
A Cypriot fresh cheese similar to ricotta. It is mild, soft, and crumbly. Ricotta is the closest and most widely available substitute.
Can I use a different herb combination?
Yes. Dill, mint, or spinach all work in Middle Eastern herb pies. Use at least three different greens for complexity.
Can I make this ahead?
Assemble and bake. It reheats well in the oven at 350 degrees F for ten minutes. The phyllo stays crisp if stored uncovered.
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