cookFennel and Herb Phyllo Pastries (Hortopita)

These Greek pastries unite a buttery crust with bright-tasting fennel and feta cheese.
From: Saveur MAKES 10–12 PASTRIES

4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 bunch Swiss chard (about 1 3/4 lbs.), stemmed and chopped
½ small white onion, minced
½ small bulb fennel (with stalks and fronds), minced
3 oz. feta, crumbled
1 tbsp. minced flat-leaf parsley
3 scallions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (16-oz.) package frozen phyllo dough, thawed
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a 12" nonstick skillet over high heat. Working in 2 batches, add chard and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 4 minutes. Transfer chard to a large sieve and press with a wooden spoon to extract excess liquid; set aside.

Return skillet to medium-high heat and add remaining oil. Add onions and fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 20 minutes. Transfer onion mixture to a bowl; stir in chard, feta, parsley, and scallions. Season filling with salt and pepper; let chill.

Heat oven to 375°. Cut stacked phyllo lengthwise into 4 ½"-wide strips; cover with a damp towel. Set aside. Put 1 strip phyllo on a surface and brush with some of the butter; top with another strip and brush with more butter. Repeat once more. Put 1/3 cup filling on one end of strip 1" from the end. Fold in a corner of that end to form a triangle. Then fold in that triangular edge to form another triangle; continue folding as you would a flag, until you have a triangular pastry. Transfer pastry to a baking sheet. Repeat; brush pastries with remaining butter. Bake until golden brown, 18–20 minutes.

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