The current revival of iconic American diners stirs my teenage memories, when I spent as much time as possible in my father’s restaurant which had its beginning as a small diner. A local landmark in our town, it grew into a large upscale dining establishment complete with banquet facilities, catering to many special events.

As a diner his menu consisted mainly of American favorites with a sprinkling of Greek and Mediterranean dishes. One of the most popular luncheon specials was a phyllo crusted meat,spinach,feta cheese pie similar to spanikopita, baked and served in an oblong dish. This is a revision of that dish which includes eggplant, fresh tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. The filling can be made and frozen in advance for a time when a quick emergency meal may be needed.

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Meat and Spinach Pot Pies

SERVINGS 6 CHANGE SERVING SIZE

COOK TIME 35mins

PREP TIME 15mins

READY IN 50mins

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs lamb, beef ground
• 1 1/2 tsp oregano dried, or 1 tbsp fresh oregano
• 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced or chopped
• 2 onion(s) medium, chopped
• 2 tomato(es) medium, chopped
• salt
• black pepper freshly ground
• 1 eggplant medium, chopped
• 1/2 cup parsley leaves fresh flat leaf
• 2 cups tomato sauce canned
• 1 10oz package spinach frozen and chopped, wrung dry in kitchen towel
• 1 cup feta crumbles
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• Puff Pastry Topper
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• flour for rolling
• 1 egg(s) lightly beaten with splash of water

Instructions

For the filling

1. Brown and crumble meat in olive oil. Add onions, eggplant, seasonings and cook till tender 12 to 15 min. Then add spinach, garlic, tomatoes and fresh herbs, simmer for 5 min. Pour in sauce, simmer until all ingredients are well blended.

For the puff pastry topper

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Flour a work surface and lightly roll out the puff pastry. Cut the size and shape of 1 large casserole or up to 6 individual bowls or large ramekins, using sharp paring knife. Place the dough on a nonstick baking sheet and wash with egg. Place the hot filling into selected baking dishes sprinkle cheeses over all- top with crust and bake til golden...