Corn Pie with Spinach Filling
Gluten Free, Low Carbs, Sugar Free, Yeast Free, Nut Free
Ingredients:
Name | Metric | US | TIP | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fresh Spinach | 250 gr | 4 cups | ||
Scallions | 1 | 1 bunch | ||
Dill and Parsley | 1 | 1 bunch | ||
Garlic, minced | 3 | 3 cloves | ||
Egg | 1 | 1 | ||
Feta Cheese | 150 gr | 2/3 cup | ||
Cornmeal | 450 gr | 2 1/4 cups | ||
Oat Flour | 90 gr | 3/4 cup | ||
Baking Powder | 6 gr | 1 teaspoon | ||
Greek Yogurt, devided | 240 ml | 1 cup | ||
Milk, devided | 360 ml | 1 1/2 cups | ||
Salt and Ground Black Pepper | 6 gr | 1 teaspoon |
Equipment:
Baking pan 10in x 13in / 26cm x 35cm |
Steps:
Prepare the Filling. Finely chop the Dill, Parsley, Green Onions, and Garlic Cloves. Place them in a bowl together with the Spinach, Cottage Cheese, Greek Yogurt (2 tbsp), Egg, Salt, and Ground Black Pepper. Knead with your hand until well combined.
In another bowl, mix the Cornmeal (450 gr) with the Oat Flour (90 gr) and Baking Powder, then add the Salt, the remaining Greek Yogurt, and some of the Milk (300 ml). Depending on how much the Cornmeal absorbs, you may need more or less Milk.
In a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spread ⅔ of the Cornmeal Mixture. Then add the Spinach Filling.
In the remaining Cornmeal Mixture, mix the remaining Milk (60 ml) and pour it on top. Drizzle it with a little olive oil.
Place the pie in the preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 50 minutes until it has nicely browned.
Comments:
Corn Pie with Spinach Filling
Cornmeal has varying absorbency depending on its coarseness and how tightly it's packed when measured. Finer cornmeal tends to absorb liquids more readily than coarser varieties. Additionally, environmental factors such as humidity can affect how much liquid cornmeal absorbs during cooking or baking. Therefore, the amount of milk needed in a recipe can vary based on these factors, and adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired consistency of the dough or batter. It's always a good practice to add liquids gradually and adjust as needed to reach the ideal texture or consistency for your recipe.
For a corn pie batter, you typically want a texture that is smooth and pourable, similar to a thick pancake batter. Here are some characteristics to aim for when preparing the batter for a corn pie:
Smooth consistency: The batter should be well-mixed and free of lumps, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients throughout.
Pourable but not too runny: It should be fluid enough to easily pour into a pie dish or baking pan, spreading evenly to cover the bottom.
Coats the back of a spoon: When you lift a spoon out of the batter, it should leave a thin, smooth layer that slowly drips off, indicating a good consistency for baking.
Thick enough to hold shape: The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when poured into the pan, ensuring that it forms a stable base for the pie filling.
To achieve this texture, gradually incorporate the liquid ingredients (such as milk or water) into the dry ingredients (like cornmeal or flour) while whisking or mixing thoroughly. Start with the amount of liquid specified in your recipe, and adjust as needed to achieve the desired consistency. If the batter seems too thin, add a bit more dry ingredient; if it's too thick, add a touch more liquid.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a batter that will bake into a firm but moist corn pie, with a cohesive structure that holds together when sliced. Adjusting the texture of the batter ensures that your corn pie will turn out just right—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
Corn Pie with Spinach Filling additional information:
When serving a pie like a corn pie or a similar dish such as pispilita, presentation and accompaniments can enhance the dining experience. Here are some suggestions on how to serve these types of pies:
Slicing and Plating:
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. This helps the filling to set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the pie into wedges or squares, depending on how it was baked.
Garnishes:
- Consider garnishing each slice with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add color and freshness.
- A sprinkle of grated cheese, such as Parmesan or feta, can complement the flavors of the pie.
Side Dishes:
- Serve the pie with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
- Steamed vegetables or roasted vegetables also make excellent sides, providing additional texture and nutrients.
Sauces or Condiments:
- Offer a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on the side for those who enjoy a creamy element with their pie.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a homemade tomato sauce can add a flavorful touch.
Beverages:
- Pair the pie with a refreshing beverage such as iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine for adults.
Presentation:
- Arrange the slices neatly on plates, ensuring each serving looks appealing and inviting.
- Consider using decorative serving platters or plates to enhance the presentation.
By focusing on presentation, accompaniments, and flavors, you can elevate the experience of enjoying a pie like pispilita or corn pie, making it a satisfying and memorable meal for yourself and your guests. Adjust these suggestions according to your personal preferences and the occasion.