VEGETARIAN PIE WITH FLAKY PASTRY

This vegetarian pie combines spinach, feta, chickpeas, and beans in a rich, flavorful filling. Wrapped in golden flaky pastry, it’s a wholesome meat-free main that’s both hearty and comforting.

INGREDIENTS
For the pastry and base:
•  1 sheet ready-made puff pastry (250 g / 9 oz)
•  1 egg, beaten for brushing

For the filling:
•  200 g fresh spinach, chopped (7 oz / 4 cups)
•  150 g feta cheese, crumbled (1 ¼ cups / 5 oz)
•  200 g cooked chickpeas, mashed (1 cup / 7 oz)
•  200 g cooked mixed beans, drained (1 cup / 7 oz)
•  1 onion, finely diced (150 g / 5 oz)
•  2 cloves garlic, minced
•  ½ tsp chili flakes (2 g / ½ tsp)
•  ½ tsp ground cumin (2 g / ½ tsp)
•  ½ tsp smoked paprika (2 g / ½ tsp)
•  2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
•  Salt and pepper to taste

STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

1.  Preheat oven: Set oven to 200°C / 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2.  Cook aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
3.  Add spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
4.  Add chickpeas and beans: Mix in mashed chickpeas and drained beans. Stir well.
5.  Season filling: Add chili flakes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring until combined. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled feta.
6.  Assemble the pie: Roll out pastry slightly if needed. Place filling in the center, leaving a border. Fold over or layer with another sheet to seal. Crimp edges and brush with beaten egg.
7.  Bake: Place pie on tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and puffed.
8.  Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with salad or dipping sauce.

HELPFUL COOKING TIPS
1.  Drain beans and spinach well to prevent excess moisture.
2.  Mash chickpeas lightly for texture — don’t over-purée.
3.  Season generously — beans and chickpeas absorb flavor well.
4.  Seal pastry edges tightly to avoid leaks during baking.
5.  Brush with egg wash for a glossy, golden crust.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING, APPROX.)
•  Calories: 450 kcal
•  Protein: 15 g
•  Carbohydrates: 34 g
•  Fat: 29 g
•  Fiber: 7 g

DIETARY TAGS
•  Vegetarian
•  Comfort food
•  Family-friendly
•  Main course

ALLERGEN INFORMATION
•  Contains gluten (pastry)
•  Contains dairy (feta)
•  Contains eggs (egg wash)