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One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

 

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

1 T. unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic

1 T. brown sugar

¼ cup honey

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 lb green beans

 

Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Melt 1 T. butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear both sides until golden brown. (The skin side will take much longer, in order to properly render the fat and crisp up the skin.) Remove chicken thighs and set aside. Pour out any excess fat, but leave some in for the sauce. Add garlic, stir until fragrant, then add brown sugar, honey, thyme, and oregano, and stir. Reduce heat to low. Return chicken to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the sauce. Add green beans to skillet. Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy!

Huevos Al Plato Cast iron

Huevos Al Plato Cast iron

Huevos Al Plato Cast iron

 

½ C. Butternut squash (or your favorite)

Extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher or sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp. dried or fresh herbs (we use thyme or rosemary)

2 fresh farm eggs

¼ C. (1 ounce) Spanish chorizo, sliced (or substitute Portuguese or Italian sausage)

Pea tendrils, spinach, arugula to garnish (optional)

Crusty baguette

 

Heat oven to 350°. Peel squash and slice in half-moon-shaped pieces 1/4 inch thick. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, or until tender. Grease a 6-inch cast-iron skillet (or small roasting dish) with olive oil. Crack the eggs into the skillet and add the roasted squash. Scatter the chorizo and add a pinch of salt to the yolks. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the whites are fully cooked. Pay careful attention not to overcook the yolks. Remove pan from the oven and add fresh greens. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy. Serves 2 as an appetizer.

Easy Cherry Skillet Cake

Easy Cherry Skillet Cake

Easy Cherry Skillet Cake

 

2 T. butter, at room temperature

6 T. butter, melted

1 cup sugar, divided

1 egg

1 egg yolk

1½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

1½ cups all-purpose flour

¾ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

¾ cup whole milk

1½ cups cherries, halved and pitted

Confectioners’ sugar, for serving

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with the 2 T. of room-temperature butter. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with ¾ cup of the sugar to combine. Add the egg and egg yolk; mix to combine. Whisk in the vanilla extract. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; mix to combine. Add the milk and whisk until the batter is thick and smooth. In a separate bowl, toss the remaining ¼ cup sugar with the cherries and then set aside. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the cherries on top. Bake the cake until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Dust the cooled cake with the confectioners’ sugar.

Skillet Blackberry Cobbler

Skillet Blackberry Cobbler

Skillet Blackberry Cobbler

 

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

4 cups fresh blackberries

1 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling on blackberries if they’re a little too tart

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

Pinch of fine sea salt

1 cup whole milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Melt the butter in a large cast iron skillet or a 9×13 inch baking dish. Takes about about 5-7 minutes. Meanwhile, using a potato masher, mash the berries in a large bowl to release some of their juices. If the berries taste too tart, sprinkle on a little bit of the sugar. In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add in 1 cup of the sugar, the milk and the vanilla and stir until well blended. Once the butter has melted, remove the skillet or pan from the oven and pour the melted butter into the batter. Stir to mix. Then pour the batter all at one time into the skillet and add the blackberries into the center. Do not spread out. Bake for about 1 hour until the cake is golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the cake part comes out clean. Serve immediately or let cool to room temperature. Tastes great on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Cast Iron Peach Upside Down Cake

Cast Iron Peach Upside Down Cake

Cast Iron Peach Upside Down Cake

 

1stick butter

2 eggs

1½ cups sugar

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 cup milk

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

 

Cream butter, eggs, sugar, and salt together. Add flour, baking powder alternately with milk; beat until fluffy. Add vanilla. Put a layer (¼”) of brown sugar in cast iron skillet. Lay peach halves over brown sugar (round side up). Pour batter over and bake in oven at 350°F for 55-60 minutes. Insert toothpick to check for doneness. To remove from pan, lay a flat plate over top of baked cake and flop cake onto platter. Any kind of fruit can be used.

Cast Iron Yorkshire Pudding

Cast Iron Yorkshire Pudding

Cast Iron Yorkshire Pudding

 

1½ cups all-purpose flour

¾ tsp. salt

3 eggs, room temperature

¾ cup water

½ cup beef drippings

¾ cup milk, room temperature

 

Mix flour and salt together until blended. Make a well in the flour, add the milk, and whisk until consistent. Beat the eggs into the batter. Add water and beat again until the mixture is light and frothy. Set aside for an hour (or, if it’s the day before, cover and place in the refrigerator overnight). If the batter has been refrigerated, allow it to come up to room temperature before using. When the roast beef is ready to come out of the oven, prepare the mixture. Preheat oven to 400°F. Pour off drippings from roast beef and measure out desired amount (about ½ cup should do). Pour drippings into a 10” cast iron skillet and place into the oven until the drippings sizzle. Immediately pour the batter over the drippings and bake for 30 minutes (or until the sides have risen and are golden brown). Cut and serve immediately. Extra au jus or beef drippings can be poured on top for added flavor.

Skillet Corn Bread with Oregano and Roasted Pepper

Skillet Corn Bread with Oregano and Roasted Pepper

Skillet Corn Bread with Oregano and Roasted Pepper

 

Even if you’re not a big fan of corn bread, you will possibly like this one (and for corn bread lovers, this one is excellent). It’s moist, best fresh from the oven but also good reheated. Serve it with soup or salad, or as a bread with a main course.

 

1 medium poblano chili pepper or similar roasting pepper

2 C. cornmeal

1 1/2 C. all purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

3 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 T. minced fresh oregano

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

 

Char poblano chili over open flame on barbecue grill or in oven under broiler until completely blackened on all sides. Place pepper in paper bag to steam, 15 minutes. Peel, seed, and finely chop chili. Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and black pepper in large bowl to blend. Whisk eggs and milk in medium bowl to blend. Mix in poblano chili and oregano. Combine egg mixture and dry ingredients, mixing lightly. Melt butter in 10-inch-diameter heavy skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat bottom and sides of skillet until butter is sizzling. Immediately spread batter evenly in skillet and put in oven. Bake until corn bread is golden brown around edges and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cut bread into wedges and serve warm from skillet

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

 

1 1/2 lb (650g) chicken breast, cut into strips

1 1/2 lb (650g) baby yellow potatoes, quartered

1 T. olive oil

3 T. butter, divided

5 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped

1 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped

Salt and fresh cracked pepper

Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional

The marinade

1/4 C. soy sauce (or coconut amino if you’re strictly paleo)

1 T. olive oil

1 T. hot sauce (we used Sriracha)

Fresh cracked pepper

 

To make the garlic butter chicken with potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, olive oil, pepper, and hot sauce. Set aside to marinate while you cook potatoes. Parboil the potatoes in boiling salted water for 8 minutes. This will accelerate cooking time in the skillet and ensure a nice golden crust on the potatoes. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, mix 1 T. olive oil and 1 T. butter. When butter is melted, add drained potatoes. Cook potatoes for about 4 minutes, stir and cook an additional 4-5 minutes until potatoes are golden and fork-tender. Transfer sauteed potatoes to a plate and set aside. Keep the same skillet over medium heat and add remaining 2 T. butter, lay the chicken strips in one layer in the skillet, keeping the drained marinade for later. Add garlic and red chili pepper flakes to the chicken. Cook chicken strips on each side for 1 minute each until nicely browned – adjust timing depending on how you like your grilled chicken. Stir in the reserved marinade and cook with chicken until the marinade is cooked. Add the fresh herbs and give a quick stir. Then add the sauteed potatoes back to the pan and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak

1 pound lean ground beef

1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

pinch of salt

For the gravy:

1 large vidalia onion, diced

4 ounces sliced white mushrooms

1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme leaves

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 1/2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch

3 cups beef stock

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon butter

kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Chopped fresh parsley or chives

 

In a large bowl, use your hands to blend together the beef, bread crumbs, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, onion powder, pepper and salt until well combined. Divide the beef mixture into four equal size portions and form into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat in a large cast iron or heavy bottomed skillet. Add the patties to the pan and cook until browned, approximately 2-3 minutes. Turn the patties over and cook for 3-4 minutes longer or until browned. Transfer to a platter and keep warm. Pour off the fat in the pan and return to the heat. Add the onions to the pan and cook until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened. Stir in the thyme, garlic powder and flour. Cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the beef stock scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen the brown bits. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. When the gravy begins to thicken, turn the heat down and stir in the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the beef patties to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are no longer pink in the middle. Sprinkle with parsley or chives, if desired. Serve immediately

Fried Bacon & Cabbage

Fried Bacon & Cabbage

Fried Bacon & Cabbage

 

1/2 lb bacon 1/2 package, chopped

1/2 yellow onion diced

1 clove garlic minced

1 head green cabbage chopped

1 teaspoons sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

1 bunch of flat leaf parsley chopped for garnish

 

Sauté chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving fat drippings in sauté pan for cooking onions and cabbage. Sauté onion over medium heat until translucent (approximately 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and sauté one minute longer. Add cabbage, salt, pepper, and paprika to onion/garlic mixture and sauté over medium Heat until the cabbage is just beginning to get tender. Return bacon crumbles and red pepper flakes and sauté for one minute longer. Garnish with a light sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Chicken Thighs with Sweet Red Onions and Balsamic Vinega

Chicken Thighs with Sweet Red Onions and Balsamic Vinega

Chicken Thighs with Sweet Red Onions and Balsamic Vinegar

2 tsp. olive oil

1 lb. red onion, cut into (1/2-inch-thick) slices and separated into rings (about 3 medium)

1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper, divided

1/4 tsp. salt, divided

4 (6-oz.) chicken thighs, skinned

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. dried marjoram

4 tsp. balsamic vinegar, divided

2 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

4 lemon wedges

 

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, 1/4 tsp. pepper, and 1/8 tsp. salt; sauté for 5 minutes. Add 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1/8 tsp. salt, chicken, oregano, and marjoram to pan, and sprinkle with 3 tsp. vinegar. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until chicken is done. Uncover, increase heat, and cook 2 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Stir in 1 tsp. vinegar, and sprinkle with the parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

Cast-Iron Duck

Cast-Iron Duck

Cast-Iron Duck

4 duck breasts

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Canola oil

 

With sharp knife, trim excess fat and sinew from breasts and score skin in a crosshatch pattern, being very careful not to cut into muscle. Pat the duck dry with paper towels.  (The less moisture the better: it will result in crisper skin—and crisp skin is essential.) Season breasts with salt and pepper. Heat well-seasoned, cast-iron skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes.  Using spray bottle, lightly coat pan with oil. Gently lay breasts into pan, skin side down; resist the urge to move them around, as you’ll want them to brown. Once you’ve achieved a golden brown skin, using tongs, flip the breasts away from yourself, using easy motions so you don’t splash hot oil on yourself. Cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the breasts to a resting rack and loosely cover with foil. Letting the meat rest will allow juices to redistribute throughout meat. After about 5 minutes, with skin side up, slice breasts on a bias. Fan meat over a tasty side dish such as Red Flannel Hash and enjoy.

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

 

2 tablespoons butter

1-1/4 pounds beef top sirloin steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 package (16 ounces) frozen vegetables for stew

2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 jar (12 ounces) mushroom or beef gravy

1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls

 

Preheat oven to 375°. In a 10-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches; remove from pan. Sprinkle with pepper; keep warm. In same skillet, combine vegetables, water and thyme; stir in gravy. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until vegetables are thawed. Stir in beef; remove from heat. Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll up a third of the length and place over beef mixture with pointed ends toward the center. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown, 16-18 minutes.

 

Serving Size: 1/8 recipe

Calories: 365

Fat: 18g

Fiber: 1g

Scrumptious Garlic Scallops

Scrumptious Garlic Scallops

Scrumptious Garlic Scallops

 

1 lb. large scallops

1/4 c clarified butter ghee

5 cloves garlic grated

1 large lemon zested

1/4 c Italian parsley roughly chopped

1/2 tsp. sea salt + more to taste

1/4 tsp. peppercorn medley freshly ground

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

A pinch of sweet paprika

1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

 

Make sure to pat dry the scallops on paper towels very well before cooking., Heat up a large cast iron skillet on medium flame. Meanwhile in a medium bowl toss the scallops with a drizzle of olive oil or butter ghee, just enough to coat it all over. Sprinkle them with the sea salt, cracked pepper, red pepper flakes and sweet paprika. Toss to coat gently. Add a little drizzle of butter ghee to the hot skillet, just enough to coat the bottom. Add the scallops making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and sear for about 2 minutes on each side until nicely golden. (Use a small spatula to flip them over individually) Add the butter ghee to the skillet with the scallops and then add the garlic. Remove from heat and using a spatula push the garlic around to infuse the sauce for about 30 seconds. The heat from the skillet will be enough for the garlic to work its magic into the butter. This is how you avoid that pungent burnt garlicky taste we don’t like.

We are just looking to extract all that sweetness from the garlic, and this is how you do it, without burning. Squeeze half of the lemon all over the scallops and move the skillet around a little so it combines with the butter. Sprinkle with the minced parsley, lemon zest and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve with crusty bread or al dente capellini noodles. If serving with capellini noodles, make about 1/4 lb. per person, and stretch the sauce with some of the pasta water the noodles cooked in.

Roasted cauliflower steaks with salsa verde

Roasted cauliflower steaks with salsa verde

Roasted cauliflower steaks with salsa verde

1/2 cauliflower see prep notes below

1 tbsp butter 15g (can be replaced with olive oil for vegan version)

1/2 lemon zest

salt and pepper

For salsa verde

3 tbsp parsley

1 tsp. capers

3 anchovy fillets (can be omitted for vegan/vegetarian version)

1 clove garlic

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

 

Preheat oven to 400F/200C. Cut the base off the cauliflower so that it sits more or less flat. Next, cut the cauliflower in half through the middle of the core, all the way through. Cut a slice around 1 – 1.5 in/2.5 – 4 cm thick from each half right the way through from each half so you get two flat ‘steaks’. Keep the florets you have cut off for something else. Warm 1/2 tbsp butter over a medium heat in a small to medium skillet/frying pan that fits both of the cauliflower steaks in lying flat. Add the cauliflower and cook a couple minutes on each side so that it becomes nicely browned. Add the lemon zest and some salt and pepper as it cooks. Add the additional butter in places that seem short on butter so that all of the edges being cooked are coated to help it brown. Turn as needed to brown on both sides. Transfer the pan to the oven and allow to cook for around 10 minutes, or possibly a little longer, until the cauliflower is completely tender. For the salsa verde: While the cauliflower is in the oven, finely chop the parsley, capers, anchovies and garlic together until they are very fine and mixed. Put all into a small bowl and add the mustard, lemon juice and olive oil. Mix well so they are well combined and serve over the cooked cauliflower steaks (you probably won’t need all of it).

 

2 servings Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 134mg | Vitamin A: 13.2% | Vitamin C: 28.9% | Calcium: 2.3% | Iron: 3.7%

Cast Iron Potatoes

Cast Iron Potatoes

Cast Iron Potatoes

 

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large baking potatoes

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush bottom and sides of a baking dish or cast iron skillet with olive oil. Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, slice potatoes crosswise into desired thickness. Arrange potato slices vertically and loosely in prepared dish or skillet. Sprinkle garlic and Italian seasoning on top of potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Dot potatoes with butter. Cover skillet or dish with foil and bake for about 1 hour or until potatoes are tender. Remove foil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until crisp.

One Pot Dutch Oven Beef with Sherried Mushroom Sauce

One Pot Dutch Oven Beef with Sherried Mushroom Sauce

One Pot Dutch Oven Beef with Sherried Mushroom Sauce

 

Olive oil spray

½ medium onion, thinly sliced

⅓ cup sherry

⅓ cup broth (preferably beef)

⅓ cup milk or milk substitute (soy, rice, or almond milk)

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup hulled barley

½ to ¾ pound beef tenderloin or beef tips

6 ounces mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)

½ acorn or butternut squash, cubed (about 2 cups)

½ head broccoli, cut into florets, or about 2 cups frozen

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray the inside and lid of a castiron Dutch oven with olive oil. Scatter the onion in the pot. In a small bowl, whisk together the sherry, broth, milk, and pepper. Pour the barley into the pot and add about half of the sherry mixture. Stir to make an even layer of the grains. Add the meat, distribute the mushrooms on top, and pour the rest of the sherry mixture over the meat. Layer the squash over the meat, then fill the pot with the broccoli. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.

 

Herby Greens and Goat Cheese Frittata

Herby Greens and Goat Cheese Frittata

Herby Greens and Goat Cheese Frittata

8 eggs

2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary

Pinch red pepper flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 T. unsalted butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 C. cherry or grape tomatoes

2 C. finely chopped leafy greens (Swiss chard, collards, mustard or kale)

4 ounces fresh goat cheese, at room temperature

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the eggs, rosemary, red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper in a bowl. Melt the butter in a cast-iron skillet. Add the onions and tomatoes, and sauté until the onions are soft and the tomatoes are starting to burst, about 5 minutes. Add the greens, 1/2 tsp. salt and some pepper; sauté for another 2 minutes. Turn down the heat to low and pour in the eggs. Using a rubber spatula, very gently move the eggs around a bit — not scrambling them, just massaging them into the cracks and crevasses of the greens. Once the eggs start to set on the bottom, dollop with the goat cheese and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the frittata is set on top, 5 minutes.

Olive Oil Cake with Fennel Pollen

Olive Oil Cake with Fennel Pollen

Olive Oil Cake with Fennel Pollen

 

3 eggs

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 c. milk

2 c. whole wheat flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. sea salt

2 T. fennel pollen (fiore di finocchio)

 

Preheat the oven to 350°. Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit a 12-inch cake pan (I usually make this in a 12-inch cast iron skillet); drizzle some olive oil into the pan, then place the parchment paper and slide it around so it’s well-oiled. Blend the eggs and sugar together in a medium-sized bowl, then stir in the olive oil and milk. In another large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt and fennel pollen. Make a well in the dry ingredients, and slowly add the egg mixture, stirring just until blended. Do not over mix. Pour the batter into the prepared pan on top of the parchment paper. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Let the cake cool completely, then loosen the sides with a knife, and invert onto a serving plate (hold the plate against cake pan and flip…hopefully it will come out in one piece). Remove the parchment paper, slice, and eat.

Grandaddy’s Skillet Cornbread

Grandaddy’s Skillet Cornbread

Grandaddy’s Skillet Cornbread

 

2 C. self-rising cornmeal mix

2 T. butter, melted and cooled slightly

2 C. buttermilk

2 eggs, beaten

2 T. mayonnaise

1 T. shortening

 

In a bowl, combine all ingredients except shortening. Stir until creamy. Grease a cast-iron skillet well with shortening. Pour batter into skillet. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center tests clean. Cut into wedges; serve warm. Makes 8 servings

Skillet Spanikopita

Skillet Spanikopita

Skillet Spanikopita

 

8 T. unsalted butter (1 stick)

2 medium leeks (about 1 1/2 pounds), white and pale-green parts only, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (about 3 C.)

6 garlic cloves, chopped

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 ½ pounds fresh baby spinach

¾ C. chopped fresh parsley leaves

½ C. chopped fresh dill

½ C. freshly grated Parmesan

2 tsp. lemon zest, plus 2 tsp. juice (from 1 large lemon)

Pinch of ground nutmeg

2 large eggs, beaten

6 ounces fresh Greek sheep’s-milk feta in brine, drained and crumbled (about 1 1/2 C. feta)

8 sheets phyllo dough of any size, thawed, laid flat on a sheet pan and loosely covered with a towel

 

In a large (preferably 10-inch) cast-iron skillet, melt 3 T. butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add one large handful of spinach at a time, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and stir until wilted, until you’ve added and seasoned all of the spinach and the mixture is thoroughly combined, about 12 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let cool. Arrange an oven rack in the middle position, and heat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the parsley, dill, Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, and nutmeg, and stir to combine. Working with about 1 C. at a time, transfer the spinach mixture to a fine-mesh strainer or sieve set in the sink and press the mixture to remove as much liquid as possible, then add to the parsley mixture. Stir to combine, and season to taste with salt and pepper. (Feta is salty, so season very lightly with salt here.) Stir in the eggs, then gently fold in the feta, doing your best to leave the larger chunks intact. Prepare the phyllo crust: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. In a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, melt the remaining 5 T. butter; set aside. Brush the bottom and sides of the skillet with melted butter. Working quickly with one phyllo sheet at a time, lightly brush the top of one sheet with butter, then lay it in the skillet, buttered-side up, with an overhang on all sides. Gently press it in to eliminate any large air bubbles between the phyllo and the pan. Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets, rotating each sheet in a different direction as you add it. Spoon the spinach-feta mixture into the skillet, spreading in an even layer. Working with one tip of overhanging phyllo dough at a time, starting with the top layer first, lift it over the spinach-feta mixture and toward the center of the pan, loosely crinkling it as you go. Repeat with all of the phyllo sheets, then lightly brush the exposed surface of the phyllo with butter. (You should have a circle of uncovered spinach-feta mixture in the center, surrounded by a ring of crinkled phyllo dough.) Cook over medium heat on the stovetop for about 5 minutes to crisp the bottom crust. Transfer to middle rack of the oven, and bake until phyllo is golden and the filling is warmed, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, and let sit 10 minutes to cool and firm up. Sprinkle small sprigs of parsley and dill over the spinach-feta mixture, if desired. Slice into 6 to 8 wedges to serve. The spanakopita can be served warm or at room temperature.