Amazing Spanakopita Recipe

[@joannacummins4839]

Labour intensive? Yes! Took me two glasses of wine to get through it. Finished product? Delicious!

[@lisawhicker]

I would watch your videos even if I had no intention of making the dish. Both your recipes and your presence are remarkably lovable.

[@sassyperry6382]

I agree; I can't get enough of this channel!!!

[@barbp2768]

Looks amazingly delicious! I married into the Greek culture and have loved cooking Greek food for years. Volunteering at the ‘Church Festival’ is a great way to learn different ways of cooking. Spanakopita is a favorite of many. When our son was in college, I made Spanakopita and cut each piece to fit in a zip top plastic sandwich bag. He’d stack the bags in his mini fridge freezer. He’d heat them in his small microwave. I made a disposable cooler for his long drive to campus. I lined a box with newspaper and used small plastic containers (restaurant leftover) of frozen water to keep everything cold. Thank you for this video!

[@sashagreenly.realtor]

Just got it into the oven...I was doing great until the last few layers then I was getting tired and thought, omg, I can't believe I'm making this on a weeknight...You make it look so easy and I felt so inspired so I made this with a rotisserie chicken and sliced beets on the side...My son is going to be so happy when he walks in the door as this is normally only something I would do for a holiday. I'm so proud of myself!! Thank you!!

[@pameladamaris3204]

This was the very first dish I made as a new cook when I was in my early 20's, (possibly late teens). I never learned to cook from my mom as she wasn't a cook. She did cook, but hated it, consequently, we ate out A LOT! I was in my first apartment and bought my first cookbook, and for some insane reason, I chose this as my first dish I would attempt to make. I truly enjoyed making it, and it was sooooo good. That was when I realized that, unlike my mom, I enjoyed cooking. ☺️

[@HelloGudbye93]

As an African, I in fact *do* have an INCONCEIVABLY large skillet 😂😂😅 I was already excited to see your take on my fave Greek dish, but now I'm even more excited that I won't have to make it in batches 😂

[@missoldskool]

😂

[@sassyperry6382]

Are Africans known for having large skillets?

[@alb91878]

Lol, I saw a video once on how they make the sheets from scratch and I was blown away! Holy hell, it would take me a month to make that and it would turn out horrible! What a laborious task!!!

[@kaktusdesiberie7196]

@@sassyperry6382Yes actually. They are very family oriented societies and often they cook for a lot of people. If you go to an African grocery store and they happen to have the large pots you’ll see. 😊

[@daigbogu]

Married into an African family, I too have a comically large skillet 😅

[@janebeville7446]

I love to cut the Phyllo in strips and make into triangles for an appetizer. I learned this at a cooking demo at the Greek Festival. They freeze well too!.I love these!

[@PreppyKitchen]

My mom loves making them for parties!

[@setauket2022]

Do u ever add creme cheese or ricotta?

[@Seamus0514]

I live near St. Demetrius Orthodox Church in Fort Lauderdale, and I look forward to their Greek Festival every year! Their spinach pies are all homemade and AMAZING!

[@azigar]

You have no idea how soothing you are. I'm a healthcare worker, and when I've had a rough day, I watch your videos to come down a few. Thank you!

[@adk4419]

All versions are perfect because they are made with LOVE and family gathering together ❤

[@Mita7401]

“DID YOU MAKE THE PHYLO DOUGH FROM SCRATCH” 😆 Love it!

[@bburnsga]

He said around the 4:10 point that "you don't make your own phyllo dough, although you can" & after that he said that when he used to be in a group that took turns making things for the group, when asked if he made his phyllo dough from scratch, he said No I did not. He said you can do that, but it's really a labor of love -- so sounds very labor-intensive.

[@Muse00316]

OMG you are Greek?!?! I have been following you for some time and I don't know how this was never revealed to me! Your pronunciation is wonderful. Also, your recipe is very much like my yaya's, which brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for this! Happy Holidays to you and your beautiful family!

[@christinagedeon7807]

I’ve used this same recipe but I don’t pre-cook the spinach. I chop up fresh spinach and add to cooked onions, garlic and herbs and feta….and then add the eggs. Comes out great every time! Also, using Ghee butter prevents the philly from puffing up (no water in Ghee). Thanks for sharing this recipe!

[@janebeville7446]

More Greek recipes please!

[@nancydelu4061]

Agreed !!! More Greek, Cyprus, and Turkiye area cooking demos.

[@janet9721]

YES! galaktoboureko recipe please! My fave as well.

[@greekgodapollosfarts7823]

Yes please 🙂

[@JuniperMoonshine]

I’m with you! Their cuisine is a guilty pleasure

[@cheflaado]

Hi please tell me some Greek recipes so that I can make on my channel soon

[@dww2006]

People think it’s complicated but it’s not, just takes time but so are lots of other recipes. You make it look quite simple. 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@hannahroberts6295]

I really like using chard instead of spinach. More depth of flavour. I steam it till it wilts and squeeze out excess moisture. I even include tender white stems chopped finely.

[@anthonysmith778]

Hmm never thought of that. Isnt it a bit bitter? Thats not a bad thing though

[@hannahroberts6295]

@@anthonysmith778 it's not bitter here in Australia. Just has a stronger flavour than spinach which goes well in spanakopita. I just prefer it.

[@anthonysmith778]

@@hannahroberts6295 fair enough. I could also just be wrong about the bitterness. Have had it in a while. Cheers!

[@lesliecurtin8911]

My Armenian grandmother DID make her own phyllo dough. She had a long table in the kitchen and a long broomstick handle she used as a rolling pin. It was so much fun watching her roll out the dough. She made her own until a neighbor told her they sold it at the local market, Also just watched your stuffed grape leaves episode. I make vegetarian ones knows as Yalangi Dolma- no meat, just rice, onions and some spices. My family and friends love them and, just saying, at the last big family party, my dolma won out over the caterer's!

[@sazji]

I make my own. It's a skill that takes some practice, but the difficulty is overstated actually, and it's SO worth it, as I'm sure you remember. :-)

[@Jackster310]

Totally agree with your assessment of garlic amounts in recipes. I always make our version of spanakopita for Easter and add chopped fresh jalepenos for a little kick.

[@dvarn59]

Oh, the Greek in me is loving this. I don’t make Spanakopita because nobody in my house eats it. But I do love it, at all of our Greek family get togethers this was a staple. Of course we alway had stuffed grape leaves, which I make often, as well as Pastitsio. My yia yia loved to spoil us with all of the Greek food.

[@kuroneko3896]

Perhaps you could make the triangle style to freeze and bake as your own personal side dish. I'm going to try it in a pizza pop size for myself! 😋

[@theodorev666]

You might just be the most likeable person I've ever seen on KZbin! The recipe isn't bad either, here in Greece even the supermarket spanakopita is delicious, I make sure to have one every day 😁

[@KatieGoesPlatinum]

Thank you! I've been making spanakopita for years, but just needed a refresher on how to assemble it properly. i liked your idea of tucking in the edges like pie dough - worked beautifully!

[@TheSkeetergirl]

I laughed so hard. I have an aunt who always wants to know if you made this or that from scratch. She gives you the side stink eye while she’s asking.😂

[@charlespartrick528]

One of all my time favorite dishes. I got the recipe from a friend of mine's Yaya ( grandmother) over 50 years ago. I've made it with various greens

[@seashells5181]

Thank you for your excellent instructions for making that delicious Spanakopita!! Your son’s visit was the highlight of the show! 🥰. His way of stroking the butter was instructive since I probably would have stroked the butter on the same way as he did!, 🥰

[@jaye8872]

I made this tonight with my large skillet. It took four patches for the spinach. It goes very quickly! John is a very good teacher ! Instead of the phyllo dough I used piece crust from the recipe John uses for his pies. just rolled it thin. Came out great!

[@deborahcarr2077]

I had a complete John Kanell dinner party tonight and everything was a huge hit - spanakopita, Greek salad and dressing, dolmades with the lemon egg sauce and baklava. I recommended the cookbook and youtube channel for the many other recipes and cooking tips. Thanks so much for continuing to post these recipes and videos with instructions that ensure success.

[@margoprowse2462]

I have just discovered your channel and I am addicted! Could you please share some more spinach recipes?

[@rubytuesdayphoenix]

I love the detail about scoring it before it goes in the oven!

[@traciewilliams1408]

Made this tonight, it was the best version of spanakopita I’ve ever made, so good and simple

[@thomarch]

I had never worked with phyllo dough before, but I followed the directions very carefully and it turned out incredible! A lot of work but really worth it.

[@EM-mw2qr]

My good friend makes these little spinach pies for special occasions. She also makes pepperoni ones. So delicious!

[@mustangmikki1947]

Firs 21:54 t of all, I am not Greek. But I saw the recipe you made with your Mom for Spanakopita, and have made it several times. I now make it every year for my disbabled Greek neighbor for Christmas. Every year she says she likes it more than the last batch LOL ! It is fun to make & I enjoy doing it so much. I will have to try this recipe this year & see what she says ! Thanks !

[@DiaDia18]

Very nice recipie John! They looks amazing! I love Spanakopita and we eat them a lot! In Cyprus we love a lot the Greek food! I think for me the Greek food is the best! Have a nice day and good weekend! Have a good week! 👍👏🍴

[@PreppyKitchen]

Thank you !!! Hope you enjoy

[@DiaDia18]

@@PreppyKitchen Thanks John! 🤩🤩🤩

[@IvanValerioCortesi]

Nothing like good Greek food 🇬🇷 ❤ Viva bella Grecia ❤

[@crazygrandma9204]

“did you make it yourself “!! 😂😅❤❤❤ you’re funny! I will subscribe!

[@judyroberts7815]

I’ve made your spanakopita SO MANY TIMES this summer and served with your Greek salad, my family loves! And yes please, I hope you do a Galaktoboureko video 😊❤

[@Ieatlikeabird-mh7tz]

This is the best Spanakopita recipe I have come across on KZbin,very clear instructions and simple ,no fuss techniques.I keep coming back to this channel though I wish he does not talk too much,it drives me mad sometimes!!! I hate it that he talks too much but I am a subscriber and I bought his two books😊😊

[@NewEra-]

In Greece, spanakopita is made without garlic!

[@seychellesjac]

@@NewEra-No garlic in our family and we used a lot of mint. So fragrant! 😋

[@monagaynor1586]

hI I made your recipe, left the fresh dill out and I added some pepper jack a little spicy and everyone loved it. Thank you so much for this recipe. My family inlaws are Armenian and they loved it. Pepperjack with Feta was so good together.

[@joyfulnoise349]

My hubby just ordered me your cookbook I can’t wait until it gets here! You have taught me so much and made me a better cook and baker! Thank you for all you do, your the brother I wish I had!

[@donnacostanzo6291]

I use a potato ricer to squeeze the water out of the spinach. Smaller batches works best. Looks yummy!😊

[@gabatronOG]

Lol “look at those layers in the philo!” Cut scene to. “DId yOU maKe ThE PHIlo douGH FrOm SCRatch?!” I died 😂😂

[@ampersand2001]

One of my favorites, and I'm so glad I grew up in Detroit with Greektown! Opa!!

[@summerforde8080]

This makes my heart so happy! Went to Greece back in October for my honeymoon and I LIVED on Spanakopita 😂 Our feta just isn’t the same though. Thanks for the recipe!

[@bharatishah4955]

Nice recipe.Thanks I will try.God bless you

[@ethelnewberry151]

A Greek Restaurant in Greece serves a Lemon Sauce with this. It is so very good, & adds another dimension of wonderful taste. The sauce is served on the side, so that the diner can add what he/she wants. We visited there in the 60's along with Italy. Such cooking like you never had in your life.

[@sarunpak]

I'm the one who make the Phyllo dough from scratch. Taking me a whole night to finish one tray of 30 layers of phyllo sheets. Only love can be patient to work with it. But I'll try with your recipe very soon❤❤❤❤😊

[@amaliakolliali9336]

Hello!! You are the best!! Just a few tips: we brush the sheets with olive oil and we add fine chopped dill, not parsley! Amalia from Greece

[@kerrylynnparsons7879]

Yes!!! 🥰 I watched that video of you and your mom making Spanopekida. ❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@steverouleau1184]

I love spannokopita. Worked for a greek fella for like 20 years. I've learned lots from him

[@Giah-iv7fo]

Thanks for sharing , it's looks great , Im part Greek , wow it looks great

[@AmberU]

Oh yes more greek recipes i agree i dont see Moussaka on your play list unless you do not care for it but i recall it being a big deal when i visited Greece it was very good!

[@Cstulhu]

I really enjoyed how chatty you were this video and hope to see more like it! My mum used to make this when I was a kid and recently I’ve been wanting to give it a try as well, so I think this really has kicked my butt into gear because your recipe looks so delicious!

[@pennykay6149]

OMG Yes! I need your recipe for Galaktoboureko. Its been my favorite for years. I worked in a restaurant for a Greek family years ago and the chef was amazing. He made a lamb stew he called Kapama thay I have never found anywhere else.

[@floralmist6824]

Hi! Watching my first of your videos and I'm very impressed. You make it fun but calm and not dramatic. I love baklava and make it during the holidays and hand some out to everyone. Half of the people don't eat it! "If I've never heard of it and don't know what to make of it, I'm not eating it." Seriously? You're literally missing out on a gold mine of rich heaven! Not many people I know are familiar with Greek food, but it's my favorite besides Japanese and a big juicy steak! So, I will be exploring your recipes. I have a new subscription!

[@DansBackcountry]

So glad to see you including your son!

[@AleksandraDeegan]

John, I tried the recipe you made with your mom few years ago and it was hands down the best spinakopita I had in my life! I don't know if it is possible to beat it :)

[@CynM.]

I made that, too. It turned out so tasty.

[@fayem4091]

Σε ευχαριστούμε Τζόν για την υπέροχη συνταγή και για την αγάπη προς την αυθεντικότητα

[@sunnybayliss3221]

I LOVE the garlic method...'I made a recipe that called for 3 cloves, but I used 9 and it still felt a little bit stingy.' You are speaking to my soul!!!

[@sharonharrison3611]

Such a cute little guy. I bet you're a great parent. Just precious 💙 This is an interesting and looks delicious!

[@pattyschwed4626]

I tried this recipe as you describe, but didn't like the stringy spinach. I finely chopped up my spinach in a food processor, (and also added some cheddar to the mixture) and was very happy with the result! I love your youtube channel!

[@haigjamgochian2061]

I made this 2 times already and today making again. Great recipe, easy to make. Delicious. Thank you for sharing

[@maryfortune9989]

Im making this for the 1st time this weekend and out of all the recipes Ive seen on you tube this one looks like the best/easiest! Thank you John!

[@joanneurbany3975]

Love your kitchen. Love your attitude. Love how you explain every thing! Fantastic.

[@SmithComposition]

Hi, I want to thank you for this video. I followed your instructions exactly and it worked! I've eaten the whole tray and feel really sleepy now. But it worked! Thank you!

[@JSH1]

I love this recipe, I’ve tried fresh spinach first and then frozen the next time. Taste wise, no difference so I’ve used frozen going forward. We also love feta so we go waaay overboard on the feta (ashamed to say 32oz). I always taste the mixture at the end before eggs are added so I can adjust the salt/pepper. I also brush some milk on the score lines of the dough before baking. By doing this, it causes the filo layers at the scored edges to stick to each other and it holds together better when serving.

[@notbaltic280]

My favourite cook.

[@theopistipapachristoforou454]

I have lived in s.afrika 35years from young age and now in Cyprus I always make and bake this lovely spinach pie.Some times i mix also creek spinach called lachana and feta mix with haloumi cheese and not salt cose halloumi salted.

[@abstutheit]

I'm glad you stayed on camera to chat while you wilted the spinach. It was fun to hear your musings.

[@hnichol2506]

Slice it before you bake....what a great idea!!!

[@cindyms.1237]

I made your recipe that you made with your mom and it was delicious. I've made it since and always add a little nutmeg and toasted pine nuts to it. Now I need to make it again. Thank you John.

[@gaylewilhelm9706]

I got 4 lbs of spinach for 4 bucks. I KZbind videos for something with spinach. Well I made this. It is amazing! Thanks you! Oh and I have a huge cast iron skillet I used for the spinach

[@TJVoskuhl]

I am SO guilty of “measuring with my heart” that’s why I could never do what you do. Love love love your channel - you’re such an awesome instructor!!!

[@kathyk479]

I wish I had it! My Grandma had a skillet that was at least 15 inches acrossed. They had 6 kids and she could cook xfor all of them in thaat big skillet! Then when we came along! She cooked for all the grandkids in it! She was love just love!

[@meenalpatil1537]

Hey John Please share more recipes using Phyllo dough and create a playlist for that 😍🥰

[@anitajinfla9762]

That would be a great idea... Hopefully he will see this.... A make a few recipes.

[@nicolerain3127]

I remember when you made this with your mother a couple of years ago, she is so sweet and enchanting. This looks so delicious. I will definitely be trying this recipe, myself. Than you for tour amazing videos. I Love your huge Virgo energy! Wishing you, your family and your channel continnual blessings! 🙏🏾🙌🏾♍🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@mireillewilson5911]

You nailed it. I'm Armenian/Lebanese both sides of the family say it's their creation and make it slightly different but both are delicious 😋

[@yvonnecusmano7971]

Hi John. Great recipe! Wanted to share a tip to drain the spinach. I use my potato ricer! Works great and makes me feel better about storing a gadget that was formerly a “uni-tasker”

[@subliminalphish]

I've made a version of this with mushrooms and diced chicken. I've also used puff pastry and I'm not a big dill person but I've added other Mediterranean herbs in other than. I love the dish I'm going to have at try it with dill.

[@bethanehhh]

Loved seeing your son help out! I would have loved brushing the butter on when I was little. Sounds like fun! ❤

[@BigChef925]

Wow havent eaten spanakopita in years. Thanks for reminding me. Looks great!

[@nbenefiel]

Your kids are darling. I’m so happy for you and your family.

[@annbrookens945]

I love spanakopita...now I'm going to have to make some! And yes, please do that Greek dessert. I've never had it and would love to try it!

[@barbiebarrios4908]

I Love to Making an Amazing Spanakopita and i love it 💕

[@PreppyKitchen]

Oh thank you!!!

[@AmberU]

One of my favorite greek dishes and when its done correct fabulous ! I was raised back east and there was a restaurant there that had the best spinach pie but ill watch john and make my own tasty version!

[@BalletBabyBoy]

I am going to make this tomorrow for a very famous but long retired ballerina. I will cut corners because I don't have your divine kitchen in NYC. That sweet little boy, learning...love it. I would kill for that kitchen

[@violettownmicroenterprises1528]

I love spanokopita!! I dont add dill, but instead, to your volume I would put 12 large kalamata olives cut in half , a large handful of fresh basil and 1/4 cup lightly toasted pine nuts. yum-yummie!!

[@calokent411]

Incredibly delicious recipe, I know it from my grandmother. Now I have to give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@sanzmt3]

I enjoyed this very much. I've forgotten how easy it is to make! My version has a little lemon in it, some mint with the parsley (not much) and a bit of parm, which I think helps it hold together better when using frozen spinach. Here is where I veer way off the path and I'm sure people are cringing. Instead of brushing butter, I use an oil spray (butter flavored). Before I score, I'll brush on real butter. It goes so fast this way and still tastes great.

[@wildchild7565]

Looking up Galaktoboureko and found you and your Spanakopita recipe.... both are huge favorites of mine. You are a delightful breath of fresh air in the KZbin cooking world and I'm so glad to have found you and subscribe. I know I will enjoy and learn a lot from you.... thanks honey! Added later....George is adorable....all kids are so sweet and vulnerable acting when they are home sick...you are a good Daddy!

[@meenha1976]

Love it "measuring things with my heart", I always used extra garlic and extra spinach then the recommended amount. I love lamb spinach or sometimes chicken spinach 🤤 🤤 🤤 🤤 🤤

[@annasndl]

I just love your videos, always puts me in a good mood!

[@olimpiarossettikrauss1884]

Yesssss please more greek dishes and dessetrs!!!!

[@nadiatoka6630]

Well done dear John!🎉 I’m a Greek fan of you ❤

[@terrihasstedt5855]

I love mine made into small bites triangles....yes to your favorite Greek dessert, it's my favorite as well. Everytime I visit home NY, head to Astoria to get my fix of both of these dishes

[@anikopresti9690]

My Hungarian Grand mother made her own filo when she made us struedel and all her own noodles,she was a fantastic cook ❤

[@kima.6611]

It's great to see the differences between this recipe and the one from 5 years ago. I don't know which one to make for dinner tomorrow!

[@brendaowens2466]

I most certainly am going to make this. Because the frozen doesn’t come up to par. Thank you for sharing your recipe and experience.

[@ylvakothen2564]

I tried this once after your video and really liked it, this year I'm going to make it for Christmas

[@nickbartram43]

John being his 100% self. What a legend. By the way, John, did you make this yourself?

[@sedabadalian5087]

Absolutely adore your videos! I can find most of the recipies I want from your channel. Simple to follow and fun to make❤️