KIMADOPITA…FROM GREECE PLACE CALLED …EVIA !

Kιμαδόπιτα (kimadopita) is a traditional Greek meat pie that is savory, flavorful, and often enjoyed as a main dish or snack. The pie is typically made with a filling of ground meat, usually beef or lamb, mixed with onions, herbs, and spices, all encased in phyllo dough. Here is a simple recipe to make Kιμαδόπιτα at home:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 500g ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese

For the Phyllo Layers:

• 12 sheets of phyllo dough
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the ground meat to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cinnamon, allspice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld together.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and grated cheese. Let the filling cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil.
   • Place a sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush the phyllo with a mixture of melted butter and olive oil.
   • Layer 6 sheets of phyllo in this manner, brushing each sheet with the butter and oil mixture.
3. Assemble the Pie:
   • Spread the meat filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
   • Cover the filling with the remaining 6 sheets of phyllo dough, again brushing each sheet with the butter and oil mixture.
   • Tuck the overhanging edges of the phyllo into the sides of the dish to seal the pie.
   • Brush the top layer with the remaining butter and oil mixture.
4. Bake the Pie:
   • Use a sharp knife to score the top layer of the phyllo into square or diamond shapes.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve:
   • Let the Kιμαδόπιτα cool slightly before cutting it into pieces.
   • Serve warm, accompanied by a fresh Greek salad or a side of tzatziki.

Enjoy your homemade Kιμαδόπιτα, a delicious slice of Greek culinary tradition!