Description
Kreatopita, a traditional Greek meat pie, combines tender minced beef, aromatic spices, and rice encased in crisp, buttery filo pastry layers. This comforting pie is perfect for family gatherings or a hearty meal, showcasing the irresistible flavors of cinnamon and fresh parsley blended with savory meat.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 500g minced beef
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup rice
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Pastry
- 500g filo pastry
- 100g butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook Meat: Add the minced beef to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no longer pink.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the rice, chopped parsley, cinnamon, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, mixing well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Cool Mixture: Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and then mix them thoroughly into the slightly cooled meat and rice mixture to bind the filling.
- Prepare Pastry Base: Brush a greased baking dish with some melted butter. Layer half of the filo pastry sheets inside the dish, carefully brushing each sheet with melted butter to achieve a flaky crust.
- Add Filling: Spread the meat filling evenly over the layered filo pastry base.
- Top with Pastry: Cover the filling with the remaining filo sheets, again brushing each layer generously with melted butter to ensure crispness and golden color.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filo pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Ensure the meat mixture is not too hot before adding eggs to avoid cooking them prematurely.
- Use fresh filo pastry for best results, and keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
- You can substitute ground lamb for beef to add a richer flavor typical in some Greek variations.
- Serve Kreatopita warm with a side salad or tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek meal experience.
- Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it set and hold together better.
