Relish the Hearty Delight of Holiday Meat Pie – Kreatopita.
Savor the festive flavors of Holiday Meat Pie – Kreatopita, a Greek culinary treasure that combines tender lamb, aromatic herbs, and a flaky homemade crust.
Perfect for special celebrations or family gatherings, this savory pie is both satisfying and deeply comforting.
Bursting with the freshness of mint, parsley, and celery, Kreatopita captures the essence of Greek home cooking.
The addition of rice, cinnamon, and rich tomato sauce adds layers of texture and flavor, making every bite a harmonious blend of tradition and taste.
Serve it as a shows topping centerpiece or a hearty standalone dish.
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging in the warmth of Greek cuisine, Kreatopita is a dish that embodies the joy of sharing food and memories with loved ones.
Filling:
⦁ 2½ lbs leg of lamb, cubed
⦁ 4½ cups warm water
⦁ 1 cup minced onions
⦁ 1½ cups chopped celery
⦁ 1½ cups minced fresh parsley
⦁ 1 teaspoon minced garlic
⦁ 1 teaspoon minced fresh mint (or ½ teaspoon dried mint)
⦁ 2 cups tomato sauce
⦁ ½ cup olive oil
⦁ 1 teaspoon salt
⦁ ½ teaspoon pepper
⦁ 4 eggs, lightly beaten
⦁ 1 cup grated kefalotiri or parmesan cheese
⦁ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
⦁ 1 cup uncooked white rice
Crust:
⦁ 3½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
⦁ 1 teaspoon salt
⦁ 3 tablespoons olive oil
⦁ 1 egg
⦁ 2–3 tablespoons warm water
Prepare the Filling:
⦁ Place lamb cubes in a large covered casserole dish with warm water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
⦁ Add onions, celery, parsley, garlic, mint, tomato sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
⦁ While the meat cooks, prepare the crust (instructions below).
⦁ Once the meat is cooked, remove from heat and mix in the beaten eggs, grated cheese, cinnamon, and uncooked rice. Stir until well combined.
Prepare the Crust:
⦁ In a bowl, mix sifted flour, salt, and olive oil with a fork. Add the egg and gradually stir in warm water until a firm dough forms.
⦁ Knead the dough for 5 minutes, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
⦁ Divide the chilled dough into two portions. Roll one piece large enough to line a greased 11x15-inch baking pan. Roll the second piece to fit the top of the pan.
Assemble the Pie:
⦁ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
⦁ Line the greased baking pan with the larger crust piece, leaving enough overhang to fold over the top. Pour the meat mixture evenly into the pan.
⦁ Cover with the second crust, sealing the edges by crimping them together. Prick the top crust with a fork and brush lightly with olive oil.
⦁ Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow to rest for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients:
✔ Use a mix of ground meats – Lamb, beef, or pork create a richer filling.
✔ Fresh herbs & spices – Cinnamon, allspice, oregano, and nutmeg add warmth and depth.
✔ Choose high-quality phyllo or homemade dough – Flaky layers make all the difference.
✔ Opt for sharp cheese – Kefalotyri, feta, or parmesan add extra flavor.
👩🍳 Preparation:
✔ Let the filling cool before assembling – Prevents a soggy crust.
✔ Layer phyllo sheets with melted butter or olive oil – Ensures crisp, golden layers.
✔ Pre-cook the meat with onions & garlic – Develops deeper, richer flavors.
✔ Use eggs or milk in the filling – Helps bind everything together.
🍳 Cooking:
✔ Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–50 minutes – Until golden and crispy.
✔ Score the top before baking – Makes slicing easier and prevents cracking.
✔ Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting – Helps the layers set.
✔ Brush the top with an egg wash – Adds a beautiful golden shine.
📦 Storage:
✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 4 days.
✔ Freeze unbaked pie for up to 2 months – Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time.
✔ Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) – Keeps the crust crispy.
✔ Avoid microwaving – It can make the crust soft and chewy.
🍽 Serving:
✔ Pair with a Greek salad & tzatziki – Adds freshness to balance the richness.
✔ Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme – Enhances flavor and presentation.
✔ Serve as a main dish or appetizer – Perfect for holiday gatherings.
✔ Enjoy with a glass of red wine or ouzo – Complements the hearty flavors.