The spinach pie is one of everyone’s favourite, it is also found in various food courts and snack bars, but the home cooked version always has that particular taste. This recipe is very easy even though it does take some time to prepare and bake. It can also be precooked and frozen for later use, as it can hold for several weeks.
Serves 6 as a meal or 15 for party size
Preparation and Cooking time: Approx 120 minutes
For the Short Crust Pastry:
Lamb Brand Auntie’s Mix Flour 800g
Lamb Brand Table Salt ½ tsp
Butter 400g
Cold Water 230ml
Olive Oil 3 tbsp
For the Filling:
Lamb Brand Split/ Whole Peas 200g
Lamb Brand Table Salt to taste
Lamb Brand Ground Black Pepper to taste
Lamb Brand Basil 1 tsp
Lamb Brand Mint 1 tsp
Lamb Brand Sesame Seeds 3 tsp
Canned Tuna 1 can
Capers 1 tsp
Onions 2 large, finely sliced
Olives 100g, chopped
Spinach 1.6kg, fresh or frozen
Anchovies 2 tins
Wash the peas and cook on a low heat for about an hour, until they soften; mash up with a fork. Sift the flour and add the salt and the butter, mix well until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the water and the oil and work the mixture until dough is formed. Boil the spinach and drain.
Fry the onions in a little olive oil, add the herbs, salt and pepper, olives, spinach and tuna; Fry everything together for a few minutes. Add the anchovies and peas to the mixture and cook for another few minutes.
Roll the dough and place in a low dish. Fill in with the spinach mixture, and cover the top with the remaining dough. Stab the top with a fork so steam can escape while cooking. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top and cook in a preheated oven at 200°C for about half an hour.