Kotopita

Kotopita (from Greek: κοτόπιτα, meaning "chicken pie") is a traditional Greek dish consisting of a savory pie made with chicken, phyllo dough, cheese, and often includes other ingredients such as onions and eggs. This dish is a variation of the broader family of Greek pies known as pita which includes other famous examples like spanakopita (spinach pie) and tiropita (cheese pie).

Ingredients

The primary ingredients in kotopita include:

• Chicken - typically boiled and shredded
• Phyllo dough - thin unleavened dough used for making pastries
• Cheese - often feta, ricotta, or a mix of Greek cheeses
• Onions - usually sautéed until soft
• Eggs - used to bind the filling
• Seasonings - such as salt, pepper, and sometimes nutmeg or parsley

Preparation

The preparation of kotopita involves several steps:

1. The chicken is boiled until cooked and then shredded into small pieces.
2. Onions are sautéed in olive oil until they are soft and translucent.
3. In a large bowl, the shredded chicken is mixed with the sautéed onions, crumbled cheese, beaten eggs, and seasonings.
4. Layers of phyllo dough are placed in a baking dish, with each layer brushed with olive oil or melted butter.
5. The chicken mixture is spread over the phyllo layers, and then covered with additional phyllo sheets, again brushing each with oil or butter.
6. The pie is baked in a preheated oven until the phyllo is golden and crispy.

Cultural Significance

Kotopita is often served in Greece during various festivities and family gatherings. It is appreciated for its comforting and hearty qualities and can be served as a main dish. Like many Greek pies, kotopita is versatile and can be adapted with various fillings and spices according to regional and familial traditions.

Variations

While the basic ingredients of kotopita remain the same, variations might include the addition of vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms, different types of cheese, or the inclusion of herbs like dill or mint to enhance the flavor.

See Also

• Greek cuisine
• Pita (pie)
• Spanakopita
• Tiropita