Indulge in a tasty treat without compromising your calorie intake with our healthy low calorie spanakopita recipe. This Mediterranean-inspired snack or appetizer is perfect for those who want to satisfy their cravings while sticking to a low calorie diet. Follow along for an easy and satisfying recipe that will leave you feeling guilt-free.
Key Takeaways:
- Enjoy a delicious and healthy low calorie version of the traditional Greek spinach pastry.
- Reduce the calorie and fat content without compromising on taste by using healthier substitutions.
- Experience the flavors of fresh spinach, low fat cottage cheese, and aromatic herbs in this easy-to-follow recipe.
- Learn how to prepare the spinach filling and assemble the filo triangles to create a perfect low calorie spanakopita every time.
- Incorporate this Mediterranean low calorie snack into your routine to add more nutritious meals to your diet.
What is Spanakopita?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what spanakopita is. Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish that has gained popularity all over the world. It is a delectable pastry made by layering flaky phyllo dough with a savory filling of spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. The result? Mouthwatering spinach-filled filo triangles that are simply irresistible.
Spanakopita is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and crispy texture. The combination of fresh spinach, creamy feta cheese, and fragrant herbs creates a delightful harmony of tastes, making it a beloved dish among both locals and visitors.
These triangular pastries are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or even as part of a main course. Whether you enjoy them warm or at room temperature, spanakopita is a delightful treat that will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of Greece.
Now that you have a better idea of what spanakopita is, let’s move on to the recipe and learn how to make these tantalizing Greek spinach pastries.
Why Choose a Low Calorie Version?
While traditional spanakopita is undeniably delicious, it can be quite high in calories and fat due to the generous use of butter and feta cheese. By opting for a low calorie version, you can still enjoy the flavors of this Greek classic guilt-free. Our recipe offers a healthier twist with reduced calorie and fat content, without compromising on taste.
At just **insert reduced calorie count** calories per serving, our low calorie spanakopita allows you to indulge in this savory treat without worrying about excess calories. With a blend of nutritious ingredients and clever substitutions, you can satisfy your cravings while maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.
Our low calorie spanakopita recipe focuses on using ingredients that are lower in fat and calories, while still capturing the essence of the traditional dish. We replace the traditional butter with **insert low fat alternative**, which significantly reduces the fat content and helps create a lighter pastry. Additionally, we incorporate a reduced amount of feta cheese or choose a low fat version to maintain the classic flavor while decreasing the overall calorie count.
In place of using only feta cheese as the filling, we combine it with low fat cottage cheese to maintain the creamy texture and tangy taste, while also cutting down on the fat content. This blend creates a delicious and nutritious spinach filling that will leave you satisfied without the additional calories.
By choosing a low calorie version of spanakopita, you can enjoy this Mediterranean delight as a guilt-free snack or appetizer. Whether you’re looking to maintain a low fat diet, reduce your calorie intake, or simply make healthier food choices, our low calorie spanakopita recipe is a fantastic option. Its flavorful combination of fresh spinach, herbs, and lighter ingredients makes it the ideal choice for a light and nutritious Greek-inspired meal.
Benefits of Low Calorie Spanakopita:
- Reduced calorie count
- Lower fat content
- Healthier ingredient substitutions
- Still maintains the delicious flavors
Expert Tip:
For an extra health boost, consider using whole wheat phyllo pastry in your low calorie spanakopita. It adds fiber and nutrients, making it a more nutritious alternative to traditional phyllo pastry.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make our low calorie spanakopita, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. These include:
- Fresh spinach
- Phyllo pastry sheets
- Low fat cottage cheese
- Onions
- Garlic
- Dill
- Lemon juice
These carefully selected ingredients provide a nutritious and flavorful combination in our easy low calorie spanakopita recipe. Let’s take a closer look at why each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a delicious and healthy spinach pie.
How to Make Low Calorie Spanakopita
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making a delicious and easy low calorie spanakopita. Follow these instructions to create a Mediterranean-inspired snack or appetizer that is both healthy and full of flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling
Start by washing and drying the fresh spinach leaves. In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant. Then, add the spinach to the pan and cook until it wilts down completely. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Step 2: Make the Low Calorie Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with low fat cottage cheese, chopped dill, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. This low calorie filling adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to your spanakopita.
Step 3: Assemble the Filo Triangles
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out a sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and lightly brush it with olive oil. Place another sheet on top and repeat the process, brushing each sheet with olive oil. Continue until you have a stack of about 5-6 sheets.
“Be careful when working with phyllo pastry, as it can dry out quickly. Cover the unused sheets with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from becoming brittle.”
Cut the stack of phyllo pastry sheets into rectangles or squares, depending on the size of the spanakopita you desire. Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling onto one end of each rectangle. Fold the corner with the filling over to form a triangle and continue folding until you reach the end of the pastry sheet. Seal the edges by brushing them with a little olive oil.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled filo triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the spanakopita turns golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Indulge
Once the spanakopita is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the triangles warm as a snack or appetizer, or pair them with a fresh Greek salad for a light and satisfying meal. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in this healthy twist on a classic Greek dish!
Conclusion
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a healthy low calorie spanakopita, a Mediterranean low calorie snack that makes a perfect light Greek appetizer. By choosing this version of the traditional Greek spinach pastry, you can enjoy the delicious taste of spanakopita without worrying about your calorie intake.
Whether you’re following a low calorie diet or simply aiming to incorporate more nutritious meals into your routine, this easy-to-make recipe is a great option. Made with fresh spinach, phyllo pastry sheets, low fat cottage cheese, onions, garlic, dill, and a touch of lemon juice, it offers a balanced combination of flavors and health benefits.
So go ahead and treat yourself to this guilt-free delight! Serve the low calorie spanakopita as a satisfying snack, a mouthwatering appetizer, or even as part of a Greek-inspired meal. Its Mediterranean flair and lightness make it a versatile addition to any menu.