Spanakopita is a classic Greek dish that is loved worldwide for its flaky, buttery pastry and smooth, savory cheese and spinach filling. But what really makes spanakopita shine is the sauces that are served alongside it! In this article, we will explore the best sauces to serve with spanakopita, including traditional Greek sauces, vegan options, and even wine pairings. So, let’s dive in!
The Best Sauces to Serve With Spanakopita
First and foremost, let’s discuss the most popular sauces that are commonly served with spanakopita. One of the all-time favorites is tzatziki sauce – this creamy, tangy cucumber yogurt dip is the perfect complement to the rich, salty flavors of the filling and the buttery pastry. You can easily make tzatziki at home by blending Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill together and seasoning to taste.
Another traditional sauce that pairs well with spanakopita is skordalia – a garlic and potato dip that is creamy, rich, and savory. To make skordalia, you will need boiled potatoes, garlic, almond meal, and olive oil. All you need to do is blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and silky. The end result is a garlicky and nutty sauce that brings out the best flavors in the spanakopita.
If you’re looking for a sauce that’s a little more unconventional, try serving your spanakopita with a roasted red pepper sauce. This sauce is made by roasting red peppers until they’re charred and then blending them with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar. The smoky sweetness of the peppers pairs perfectly with the savory filling of the spanakopita, and the tangy vinegar helps to cut through the richness of the pastry.
Traditional Greek Sauces for Spanakopita
In addition to tzatziki and skordalia, there are a few other traditional Greek sauces that work well with spanakopita. One such sauce is melitzanosalata – a creamy eggplant dip that is made with grilled eggplant, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. This sauce is hearty, flavorful, and has a subtle smokiness that will go well with the buttery pastry.
Another popular sauce in Greek cuisine is hummus – it may be an unexpected choice in terms of pairing, but it works. The creamy texture of the hummus blends perfectly with the flaky texture of the spanakopita pastry, while the nutty flavor of the chickpeas provides a unique twist to the classic dish.
For those who prefer a spicier option, a traditional Greek hot sauce called ladolemono can be a great choice. This sauce is made with olive oil, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, and it adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the spanakopita. It’s perfect for those who like a little heat in their food.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, a simple lemon and olive oil dressing can be a great choice. This dressing is made with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper, and it adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish. It’s perfect for those who want to keep the focus on the spinach and feta filling of the spanakopita.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce for Spanakopita
To make tzatziki sauce, you will need:
- 1 cucumber
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Peel and grate the cucumber and place it in a strainer over a bowl to remove excess liquid for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the drained cucumber to the yogurt mixture and stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy with spanakopita!
Tzatziki sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in many different dishes. It is a traditional Greek sauce that is often served with grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip for pita bread. The combination of tangy yogurt, fresh cucumber, and aromatic herbs makes it a refreshing and flavorful addition to any meal. You can also adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more or less garlic, dill, or lemon juice. Give this easy recipe a try and elevate your next meal with a delicious homemade tzatziki sauce!
Garlic Dill Sauce: The Perfect Complement to Spanakopita
If you are looking for a simple yet flavorful sauce to serve with your spanakopita, garlic dill sauce is a great option. It is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper and dill until well combined.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve with the spanakopita and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!
Garlic dill sauce is not only a great complement to spanakopita, but it also pairs well with other dishes. Try it as a dip for fresh vegetables or as a sauce for grilled chicken or fish. The tangy flavor of the yogurt and lemon juice, combined with the savory garlic and fresh dill, make it a versatile sauce that can enhance the taste of many dishes. Give it a try and see how it can elevate your meals!
Lemon Yogurt Sauce: A Tangy Twist on Spanakopita
If you want to add a tangy twist to your spanakopita, lemon yogurt sauce is the perfect choice. It is refreshing, tangy, and perfect for balancing out the saltiness of the feta cheese. Here’s how to make it:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Drizzle the lemon yogurt sauce over the spanakopita, and enjoy the tangy and savory flavors!
Not only is lemon yogurt sauce a great addition to spanakopita, it can also be used as a dip for vegetables or a marinade for chicken. The tangy flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes and adds a refreshing twist to any meal.
If you want to switch up the flavor profile of the sauce, try adding some fresh herbs like dill or parsley. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make the sauce even more versatile.
A Guide to Pairing Wine with Spanakopita and Sauces
Now that we have discussed the most popular sauces for spanakopita, let’s talk about wine pairing. When it comes to pairing wine with spanakopita, it is best to choose a dry white wine with high acidity. Think of wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. The acidity in the wine will cut through the richness of the pastry and cheese, while the fruity flavors will complement the herbs and spices in the sauce.
It is also important to consider the filling of the spanakopita when choosing a wine. If the filling is primarily spinach and feta cheese, a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can also be a good option. These wines have enough acidity to balance the richness of the cheese, while their lightness won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the spinach.
Spanakopita with Hummus: A Delicious and Unexpected Combination
As we mentioned earlier, hummus is a great sauce to serve with spanakopita. But what would happen if we take it one step further and combine the two? You get an unexpected combination that is equally delicious! The creamy and nutty flavor of the hummus blends perfectly with the spinach and feta filling, while the crunchy texture of the chickpeas adds a contrast that elevates the overall taste of the dish. Give it a try!
Another great thing about combining spanakopita with hummus is that it adds a healthy twist to the dish. Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are a great source of protein and fiber. Spinach, which is the main ingredient in spanakopita, is also packed with nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. So, not only is this combination delicious, but it’s also a nutritious option for your next meal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different types of hummus to pair with your spanakopita. For example, roasted red pepper hummus can add a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, while garlic hummus can give it an extra kick. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Vegan and Dairy-Free Sauces for Serving with Spanakopita
For those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, there are plenty of sauces that work well with spanakopita. Here are a few vegan and dairy-free options to consider:
- Baba Ghanoush – similar to hummus but made with roasted eggplant instead of chickpeas. It is a creamy and flavorful dip that goes well with the savory spanakopita filling.
- Muhammara – a spicy red pepper dip that is made with walnuts, breadcrumbs, and spices. It is hearty, flavorful, and adds a unique twist to the traditional dish.
- Avocado sauce – blend a ripe avocado, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil until smooth and creamy. The avocado sauce is refreshing and tangy, and it pairs well with the buttery pastry and the spinach filling.
Creative Sauce Ideas for Elevating Your Spanakopita Game
If you want to take your spanakopita game to the next level, try experimenting with different sauces and flavors. Here are a few creative ideas to get you started:
- Pesto sauce – the earthy flavors of basil and pine nuts go well with the spinach filling, making it a great alternative to the traditional sauces.
- Tahini sauce – made with sesame seed paste, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, tahini sauce has a nutty and savory flavor that goes well with the buttery pastry.
- Chimichurri sauce – traditionally used for grilled meats, chimichurri is a tangy and herbaceous sauce that pairs well with the rich and salty spanakopita filling.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are plenty of sauces that go well with spanakopita. From traditional Greek sauces to vegan options, the possibilities are endless. Tzatziki, skordalia, melitzanosalata, and hummus are all great options to consider when serving spanakopita. And don’t forget to pair your spanakopita with a dry white wine to enhance the flavors of the sauce and filling. So, go ahead, get creative, and elevate your spanakopita game!
