Spanakopita, a heavenly creation from the land of the Greeks, is a delectable savory pie. Bursting with the wholesome goodness of spinach and cheese, it’s often enveloped in layers of crisp, golden phyllo pastry. Whether you’re relishing it as a snack, appetizer, or a full-blown vegetarian dinner, you may find yourself contemplating: what sauce should I pair with my spanakopita?
Well, worry no more. We’ve compiled an array of tantalizing sauces, each adding a unique dimension to the humble spanakopita, transforming every bite into a flavorful experience.
So, What sauces are commonly served with spanakopita? Spanakopita, a savory Greek pastry made of phyllo dough, spinach, and cheese, can be complemented by a variety of sauces. Tzatziki, a tangy Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and herbs, is a classic choice. Other popular options include homemade tartar sauce, roasted red pepper sauce, creamy avocado crema, and creamy cucumber dill sauce.
1. Tzatziki Sauce
In the realm of Greek cuisine, Tzatziki sauceholds a prestigious position, and it’s often considered the best sidekick to the classic spanakopita. This palate-pleasing creation is an artful blend of staple Mediterranean ingredients – creamy Greek yogurt, cool and crisp cucumber, aromatic garlic, and silky olive oil. Coupled with a selection of herbs, these elements come together to craft a culinary masterpiece.
The unique, zesty burst that the sauce brings to your taste buds is truly a testament to its Greek origins. The cooling sensation provided by the cucumber forms a delightful contrast to the warmth of the garlic, resulting in a taste sensation that’s nothing short of extraordinary. This riot of flavors lends a fresh and vibrant dimension to your meal.
The Tzatziki sauce doesn’t just stop there. The smooth and rich creaminess of the Greek yogurt harmonizes wonderfully with the crunchy texture of the flaky spanakopita pastry. This harmonious play of textures underscores the beautiful balance achieved in every bite, making your dining experience a memorable one.
2. Healthy Homemade Tartar Sauce
Eschewing the conventional, why not introduce your palate to the unexpected pairing of spanakopita with a sumptuous tartar sauce? An effortless, yet healthy homemade tartar sauce could offer a fascinating spin on your traditional Greek meal.
The tangy goodness of pickles and the indulgent creaminess of mayo are at the heart of this sauce. These two seemingly contrasting flavors meld seamlessly, establishing a balance that straddles the fine line between being invigorating and comforting.
This beautifully crafted sauce does magic for those who appreciate a touch of acidity in their meals. The tartar sauce’s lively taste and creaminess provide a remarkable foil for the robust flavors of the spanakopita, making every bite an adventure for the taste buds.
3. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Take your spanakopita experience to another level of decadence with a velvety roasted red pepper sauce. This luxurious sauce is an exquisite melding of sweetly roasted red peppers, piquant garlic, lavish olive oil, and a splash of vinegar to provide the right hit of tanginess.
The smoky undertones of the sauce, combined with its slightly sweet notes, create a stunning taste profile. These flavors serve to create a captivating contrast to the savory nature of the spanakopita. The sauce’s vibrant color adds a visual appeal that perfectly complements the taste adventure, making your spanakopita meal truly a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
4. Creamy Avocado Crema
Tailored for the passionate avocado aficionados, the avocado crema is a culinary delight not to be missed. This smooth, creamy creation is an intricate blend of perfectly ripe avocados, aromatic cilantro, zesty lime juice, and the silky richness of yogurt or sour cream.
The satisfyingly creamy texture of this delightful sauce and its understated tanginess interweave elegantly with the robust flavors of the spanakopita. As a result, each bite is enhanced and rendered more tantalizing. What makes this sauce truly irresistible is the addition of cilantro and lime juice, which inject a zestful freshness into the mix, lifting your dining experience to newer heights of enjoyment.
5. Creamy Cucumber Dill Sauce
If a refreshing culinary experience is what you seek, look no further than the creamy cucumber dill sauce. This sauce is a blend of crisp fresh cucumbers, aromatic dill, smooth yogurt, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. The result is nothing short of revitalizing.
The cucumber’s natural freshness marries beautifully with the distinctive flavor of dill, bringing about a unique and refreshing sauce. This choice is perfect for those sweltering summer days or any time when your palate yearns for something light, rejuvenating, and delectably appealing. Every bite leaves a lingering, flavorful impression, making this a sauce truly in a class of its own.
6. Lemon Dill Aioli
Bursting with a rich and creamy texture, the lemon dill aioli is a culinary masterpiece that takes any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. This gourmet sauce is a fusion of pungent garlic, tangy lemon juice, fragrant dill, and creamy mayonnaise.
The aioli’s vibrant citrusy undertones, courtesy of the fresh lemon juice, and the uniquely aromatic flavor of dill combine to create a taste sensation that is an absolute game-changer. It artfully complements the earthy spinach and sharp feta flavors of the spanakopita, creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth.
Every spoonful promises a rich and delectable experience that will transform your spanakopita meal into a delightful gastronomic journey.
7. Greek Tomato Sauce
The Greek tomato sauce, a staple in Mediterranean households, transforms your spanakopita into a heartwarming and satisfying meal. This rich, robust sauce is crafted from perfectly ripe tomatoes, luscious olive oil, sweet onions, fragrant garlic, and a handful of carefully selected herbs.
The chunky texture of this sauce offers a delightful contrast to the flaky spanakopita, while its depth of flavor enhances every morsel. This sauce forms a harmonious relationship with the savory spanakopita, elevating the whole dish to a gastronomic delight.
8. Greek Yogurt Dip
A velvety Greek yogurt dip emerges as another traditional partner to the spanakopita, adding a classic touch to the dish. This dip, pulsating with the sharpness of garlic, tanginess of lemon juice, and the fragrant whisper of fresh herbs, introduces a refreshing creaminess to your meal.
This deceptively simple accompaniment hides a power to transform your dining experience. Its unique combination of flavors and textures works in tandem with the spanakopita, amplifying its appeal and offering a sublime culinary experience.
9. Greek Salsa
Introducing the Greek Salsa – a vivid mixture of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, pungent onions, briny olives, and crumbly feta cheese. Drizzled with a gloss of olive oil and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this salsa adds a burst of freshness to your spanakopita.
The interplay of contrasting textures and the medley of vibrant flavors it brings to the table is nothing short of winning. This salsa’s unique concoction offers a refreshing respite, making it a delightful companion to your spanakopita.
10. Hummus
Finally, standing tall in the league of accompaniments is the universally adored hummus. This smooth blend offers a creamy texture and a subtle hint of nuttiness, introducing a delightful dimension to your spanakopita.
Whether you prefer to stick with the classic version or venture into the realms of creative flavor profiles like the smoky roasted red pepper or the bold garlic, hummus never disappoints. Its velvety texture and flavor complexity add just the right amount of sophistication to your spanakopita, ensuring a meal that is both memorable and enjoyable.
FAQs
1. Is tzatziki a good match for spanakopita?
Absolutely! Tzatziki is often served with spanakopita. The cool, creamy texture of the tzatziki sauce, enriched with flavors from ingredients like Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill, balances the savory, crispy elements of the spanakopita, enhancing the overall dining experience.
2. Are there any vegan sauce options that pair well with spanakopita?
Yes, several vegan-friendly sauces go well with spanakopita. Roasted red pepper sauce, for instance, can be made vegan-friendly and offers a delightful flavor contrast to the savory spanakopita. Another option could be a tangy, dairy-free lemon dill sauce, which adds a refreshing citrus note to the meal.
3. Can spanakopita be served for dinner?
Spanakopita makes for a versatile dish that can be served at any meal, including dinner. It pairs well with a variety of sauces and side dishes, and can be a delicious, vegetarian main course or a side dish in a larger meal.
4. Can spanakopita be served cold and still be enjoyable?
Yes, spanakopita can be served either hot or cold, making it a flexible dish for picnics, parties, or casual dining. The flavors remain delicious regardless of temperature. However, some sauces, like tzatziki or creamy cucumber dill sauce, might complement cold spanakopita particularly well due to their cool, refreshing qualities.
Conclusion
Pairing spanakopita with the right sauce can create a delightful culinary journey. From the traditional tzatziki to the unique avocado crema or a simple Greek yogurt dip, each sauce brings something unique to the table. So next time you enjoy this Greek specialty, remember that the choice of sauce can make all the difference. Experiment with different flavors and find your favorite pairing. Bon appétit!
What Sauce to Serve with Spanakopita?
Ingredients
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Healthy Homemade Tartar Sauce
- Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Creamy Avocado Crema
- Creamy Cucumber Dill Sauce
- Lemon Dill Aioli
- Greek Tomato Sauce
- Greek Yogurt Dip
- Greek Salsa
- Hummus
Instructions
- Prepare your spanakopita according to recipe instructions, either homemade or store-bought.
- Make your sauce while spanakopita bakes. Good options are tzatziki, yogurt dill, lemon garlic or tomato cucumber sauce.
- For tzatziki: grate cucumber and strain out liquid. Mix with Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill.
- For yogurt dill: combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt and pepper.
- Once spanakopita is baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Drizzle or serve spanakopita with your choice of homemade sauce.
- Garnish with extra fresh dill and lemon wedges if desired.