Kreatopita Recipe
Kreatopita / Kimadopita
Greek Meat Pie / Mincemeat Pie
Submitted By: Taz

Ingredients:

1 lb Phyllo Dough - country style preferred
Extra Virgin Olive Oil as needed

Filling:
4 Tbs / 2 oz. Unsalted Butter
1 Small Red Onion - finely chopped
2 Medium Leeks (white and light green parts only) - halved and sliced thin
4 cloves Fresh Garlic - minced
1lb Lean Ground Beef
1 lb Ground Lamb - can substitute more ground beef if desired
2 Tbs Tomato Paste
1 Bay Leaf
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1 tsp Dried Basil
⅓ Cup Red Wine - can use Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir
6 oz. Feta Cheese - crumbled
2 Large Eggs - beaten
Kosher Salt to taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper to taste
-OPTIONAL-
2 tsp Fresh Dill - chopped

Preparation:

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering - Add the onions and leek - Sauté until softened (apx 3 minutes) - Add the garlic and continue to sauté for 1 minute
  2. Add the ground meat - Allow to brown for 4-5 minutes breaking it up - Add the tomato paste and continue to cook for 1 minute - Add bay leaf, oregano, and basil - Thoroughly combine
  3. Add the wine and allow to cook until all of the wine is absorbed/evaporated - Season with salt and pepper
  4. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl (discard bay leaf) and allow to cool for 15 minutes - Once cooled, add the cheese and egg and thoroughly combine - set aside until needed
  5. Unroll your phyllo dough and place between 2 slightly damp kitchen towels
  6. Brush the bottom and sides of a 13" X 9" baking dish with olive oil
  7. Place a phyllo sheet in the bottom of the baking dish (allow to cover the sides/hang over) - Brush with olive oil and lay another phyllo sheet on top - Repeat for a total of 2/3 of the phyllo sheets
  8. Add the filling and gently spread into a single, even layer
  9. Repeat step 7 with the remaining phyllo dough sheets to cover
  10. Using a sharp knife, score the top layers of phyllo into serving size 'squares' (this will help later for serving)
  11. Preheat oven to 350ºF
  12. Bake in the center of the oven for 35 minutes
  13. Move to the lowest spot in the oven (on the 'floor' of the oven if possible) and continue to bake until the top is crisp and golden brown (apx 15-25 minutes more)
  14. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes (20-30 minutes is best) before cutting along your score lines and serving just warm or at room temperature
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