Organic Greek Leek pie

Posted on January 30, 2017

Most of the people I know in Britain talk about how much they love Greek spanakopita (spinach pie) but my all-time favourite is actually Greek leek pie (prasópita). What best way to bring together my two homes other than in this wholesome, winter recipe?

Leeks are currently in season and Blaencamel Farm’s boxes and market stalls showcase this wonderful Welsh ingredient. You can make this pie using a couple of organic bunches of leek and one onion. And you will thank me for it as the flavour of Blaencamel’s leeks is special. Every bite will make you feel nourished and shun away the winter blues. Happy pie eating!

You can order Blaencamel Farm’s boxes by contacting emailing Tom Frost mailto:(tom@blaencamelbox.com). For more info click here.

Join Lia’s Kitchen cooking classes on 3 and 10 February to find out more and savour Greek cuisine. Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/lias-kitchen-7901836356

Ingredients (4-6 portions or 12 pieces)

• 2 bunches Blaencamel Farm leeks (around 700g)
• 1 onion
• 200g Feta cheese
• 2 organic eggs
• 15g fresh dill (optional)
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. sugar
• ½ tsp. ground black pepper
• 250g filo pastry (packs available at most supermarkets)
• Olive oil for cooking and pastry basting

For the glazing

• 1 espresso cup milk
• 1 tsp. butter
• 1 tbsp. sesame seeds

Preparation (up to an hour)

1. Peel, halve and slice the onion finely.
2. Rub the salt and sugar in the onion slices with your finger until they are well separated.
3. Let the onions sweat for ten minutes.
4. Meanwhile trim the leeks and halve lengthwise. Place in a basin filled with water and rinse well to remove all dirt from between the layers. Repeat at least twice.
5. Coat the base of a wide pan or pot with enough olive oil and preheat. The pot or pan should have a lid.
6. Add the onions and slowly fry, covered until they caramelise.
7. While the onions caramelise slice the leeks finely or roughly.
8. When the onion is ready add the leeks and stir fry for ten minutes on medium heat until softened.
9. Remove from heat (and pan if possible) and cool down.
10. In a big bowl beat the eggs lightly and crumble the feta cheese.
11. Add the leeks and onion mix to the eggs and feta. Add the pepper and mix well.
12. Pick a baking tray (around 36cmx40 but can be a bit bigger) and using a brush or your hands oil its base and sides well.
13. Layer half the filo pastry sheets one by one (6-8 depending on the pack), lightly oiling each sheet with olive oil using a brush or your clean fingers.
14. Don’t oil the last sheet and pour the leek pie filling spreading it evenly across the tray with the back of a spoon.
15. Repeat the layering process over the filling.
16. Heat up the milk and butter in a small pot until the butter melts.
17. Pour on top of the pie, starting from its edges but making sure that the full surface of the top sheet is also moistened. Tuck the corners in to seal the pie.
18. Using a sharp knife slice the pie into twelve portions.
19. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and bake in a medium oven (180 Celsius) for 30-45 minutes until golden.