Spinach Phyllo Dough Pie (Byrek me Spinaq)

Byrek is another favorite dish of mine.  I grew up with it and continue to make it when I feel like having a taste of Byrek.  It can be made with vegetables for vegetarians, but it can also be made with ground beef and tofu for vegans.  I have made all versions and all are equally delicious and unique. 

You will need the following:

• 15-20 sheets of phyllo dough
• 1.5 cups of yogurt (I make my own yogurt because I find the store bought ones have too much starch)
• 1 egg (you may use two if you like)
• 1 Ib of spinach (thawed)
• 1 cup of butter (depending on your preference)
• Parsley to taste
• 1 tea spoon salt
• pepper to taste
• 2 green onions/scallions
• 2 medium size garlic minced

Butter a pan (size of your phyllo dough) and start laying the dough to cover the pan.  Brush the each sheet of dough with melted butter.  Repeat this 7 times or 10 times depending on the number of sheets you are using.  In a bowl mix yogurt, egg, spinach, parsley, salt, pepper, scallions and garlic together.  Add the mixture to the pan that you have already put buttered phyllo dough sheets.  Continue the process of layering the sheets until you have finished them all and finish by brushing with melted butter.

Bake the spinach pie at 350 degree F until golden brown.  After baked, let it cool a bit and cut.  Serve while hot.  Or heat it up if you decide to refrigerate. 

Note: You may use as much butter as you like. Same goes for the salt and pepper.  If you prefer to make a ground beef pie, brown the beef first with the ingredients (do not use yogurt and egg in this case).  You may also substitute yogurt with feta cheese or tofu.  Enjoy!