Kreatopita
Image generated by AI (Google Gemini 2.0)

Traditional rustic Kreatopita (Greek meat pie)

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Kreatopita is a classic Greek dish often made during winter months, typically enjoyed during festive occasions or hearty family meals. This savory meat pie is made with a combination of ground beef or lamb, aromatic herbs, onions, and a flaky, golden pastry crust. It’s a dish with roots in traditional rural cooking, where every household had its own variation, often using whatever meat was available. Over time, it evolved to include different fillings, but the basic concept remains a staple in Greek cuisine. The pie’s rich flavor and tender filling are sure to warm you up on a chilly day, as colder temperatures make hearty pies especially satisfying.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 6-8 servings

(Illustration generated by AI (Chat GPT-OpenAI)

Ingredients
1 kg (2.2 lbs) ground beef or lamb (or a combination)
2 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped dill
1/2 cup rice (optional) 2 potatoes sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 sheet phyllo pastry (or homemade dough)
2 eggs (for egg wash)
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)

Kreatopita (Credit: Glaveris.gr)

Instructions
Prepare the filling: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in the cinnamon, allspice, parsley, dill, rice (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Set aside to cool.
Assemble the pie: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish and layer the bottom with phyllo pastry, brushing each layer with olive oil or butter. Once you have 3-4 layers, spread the meat filling evenly on top.
Top with pastry: Cover the pie with another 3-4 layers of phyllo, again brushing each layer with oil. Tuck in the edges and brush the top with the beaten eggs.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until golden brown and crispy on top. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving.

Extra Tips
For a richer flavor, add feta cheese to the Kreatopita filling.
Serve with a side of Greek yogurt, or tzatziki sauce or a fresh salad.
You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it, making the assembly quicker.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 600mg


This recipe was generated with the support of AI (Chat GPT) and edited by an editor.