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Try making hortopita instead of spanakopita!

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blopez34

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Hortopita is like spanakopita's cousin! It's made with greens and you can pretty much use any type of greens that are in season. If you are in the United States, it is pretty easy to find collard greens but if you are in Greece you might be able to get a wider variety. One of the most important tips that I can give you about making hortopita is washing the greens very very well to get any dirt out. Sometimes hortopita can have a gritty or earthy flavor that's not so appealing.
 
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Yes I noticed in Greece spinach might not be widely available, and I see hortopita a lot more often because you can really use any type of green you can find. It's delicious!
 
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Greek Halva Recipe to Enjoy During Lent?

I love Halva year round but I often see it a lot during Lent. My recipe doesn't seem Lent friendly to me. Any ideas on how I can adapt it?

Ingredients:
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  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
  1. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the semolina to the melted butter and stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes, or until the semolina turns golden brown and begins to emit a nutty aroma.
  3. While stirring the semolina mixture, gradually add the sugar and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sugar is fully incorporated.
  4. Slowly pour in the water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps from forming. Be careful as the mixture may splatter.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring the mixture until it thickens to a porridge-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Stir in the ground cinnamon and optional chopped nuts and raisins, if using.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the halva rest for a few minutes to thicken further.
  8. Serve the halva warm or at room temperature, either as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.

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