Cretan Thrift: A Timeless Culinary Gem
Cretan Thrift, popularly known as Tsigaropita, is a renowned dish from the island of Crete. Famed for its simplicity and incredible flavors, this dish showcases the brilliant use of local ingredients. Historically, Cretan Thrift has been a staple in the diet of Cretan shepherds, embodying the philosophy of utilizing available resources to create exquisite meals.
Background and History
The heart of Cretan cuisine lies in its ability to transform humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Cretan Thrift exemplifies this perfectly. Originating from the mountainous regions of Crete, it was crafted as a sustainable dish, providing nourishment and energy to the shepherds tending to their flocks. Its core ingredients reflect the island's rich agricultural tradition, with cheese, olive oil, and herbs playing starring roles.
Ingredients
- Phyllo Dough - 500g
- Olive Oil - 200ml
- Feta Cheese - 300g
- Myzithra Cheese - 200g
- Fresh Spinach - 500g
- Eggs - 2
- Spring Onions - 2, chopped
- Dill - a handful, finely chopped
- Salt - to taste
- Black Pepper - to taste
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Filling
Begin by washing the fresh spinach thoroughly. Chop it coarsely and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the chopped spring onions and dill to the bowl. Crumble the feta cheese and myzithra cheese into the mixture. Crack the eggs into the bowl, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully blended.
Step 2: Assembling the Pie
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and set the cooking timer for 15 minutes to allow ample warm-up time. Gently oil a baking tray using some of the olive oil. Lay down a sheet of phyllo dough and brush it lightly with olive oil. Continue layering and oiling up to 6 sheets.
Spread the filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets. Cover the filling with another set of 6 individually oiled sheets of phyllo dough. Tuck the edges neatly to seal the filling inside.
Step 3: Baking
Scour the top layer in a checkered pattern to allow the steam to escape during baking. Place the pie in the preheated oven. Adjust the cooking timer to 40 minutes and set the pie to bake until golden brown.
Enjoying Cretan Thrift
Once baked, allow Cretan Thrift to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a classic Cretan rusk drizzled with olive oil. This dish not only offers nutritional benefits but also embodies the essence of Cretan cuisine: simplicity, flavor, and the use of local ingredients.
For the best experience, savor it with a glass of local Cretan wine or a shot of raki, enhancing the authenticity of the Cretan gastronomy experience.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes.
Cretan Thrift continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who cherish traditional Greek cuisine, delighting everyone with its memorable flavors and heartwarming history.