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Easy Greek Olive Oil Homemade Crust – Phyllo

ByElena Paravantes, MS, RD

crust-homemade phylloMost home cooks in Greece did not use the store bought thin sheets of phyllo, but they made their own, called horiatiko phyllo (village phyllo). A thick, crunchy phyllo made with olive oil. It is not an exact recipe, many cooks provide directions that are usually vague as everybody has their own recipe, which they have perfected. I have managed to figure out almost exact amounts for a great result.

This phyllo can be used for almost all pites (Greek pies) that one makes in a pan. There is no butter, so it is a crust that can be used in vegan recipes as well. Make sure the olive oil you use is fresh, stale olive oil will give off a bad flavor. I also add varying amounts of whole wheat flour, for a different texture and added fiber.

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Easy Greek Homemade Traditional Phyllo

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
This traditional crust or phyllo, made with olive oil does not disappoint. Crunchy, hearty, a perfect crust for any pie.
Course: crusts, pies
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword: dough, homemade, oliveoil, phyllo, Recipe
Servings: 1 9-10 inch (22-25 cm) pie
Author: Elena Paravantes, MS, RD
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour (I used about ¼ cup whole wheat flour and the rest white)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • ½ cup warm water

Instructions

  • In a bowl add the flour and add the salt and mix.
  • Make a whole in the middle and the add the olive oil and vinegar.
  • Mix the dough with a wooden spoon , until the liquids have been absorbed. It will be dry and crumbly.
  • Add some warm water and knead with your hands, add enough so that the dough is soft but not sticky. Knead until smooth.
  • Separate the dough in two pieces and roll into balls. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
  • On a well floured surface, roll out the two balls, with a thin rolling pin, in large circles so that they are large enough to cover the base of the pan and hang over the sides.
  • Roll dough partially around the pin and place over your pan, gently. Brush with olive oil.
  • Place your filling.
  • Cover with second phyllo and join both phyllo sheets together twisting round the pan so it forms a border.
  • Brush with olive oil.

Elena Paravantes, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist by the U.S. Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). She is an expert on the Mediterranean Diet. She has been active as a clinician, consultant, author and lecturer for 20 years, both in the U.S. and Greece. An expert on the Greek Mediterranean Diet, her interviews and articles have been published in many publications including CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Prevention, NPR, and Shape. Elena has collaborated with a number of organizations including Loyola University, Yale University, University of Missouri, Louisiana State University, and the American College of Greece. Elena earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and her Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She holds has a Master’s Degree of Science in Health Management.

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55 Comments

  1. As a Greek who comes from Greece, your recipe is totally correct. I like your advice about butter and garlic. I hope the ladies who make the recipe, follow it as you give it above. I find that many Greek-American ladies put everything they can think of, in spanakopita. Thank you!!!5 stars

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  2. has anyone tried making the phyllo with Einkorn all purpose flour and Einkorn whole wheat flour for the leeks pie or spinach pie??

    Reply