Vegan Spinach “Ricotta” Hand Pies for Under $1 a Serving

Spinach "Ricotta" Hand Pies are the perfect appetizer, light supper or even a healthy snack for busy days when you’re on the go. You don’t have to worry about portioning when you have these delicious convenient, hand-held pies at the ready. (Make extra and freeze the rest.)

Rich, flaky, and golden-brown crust surrounds a filling of sautéed fresh spinach and dairy-free homemade almond milk ricotta cheese. It’s a match made in heaven!

With so much flavor in each bite, you’ll hardly have time to think about all of the health benefits (but there are many!). Studies have shown that eating more plant-based foods and ditching meat and dairy can lower your risk of heart disease and other conditions while strengthening your immune system.

And you may not be able to tell by looking at them, but these bites are actually very simple to put together! Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for your pies to bake. But once they’re done, you’ll be so happy you did.

Don't feel limited to just spinach and ricotta either — these pies are extremely customizable. Try using another savory combination, or venture into the sweet category with blueberry, strawberry, or sweet potato. Whatever mood you’re in, hand pies should be a part of your day.

Want to make this recipe more budget-friendly?

• Instead of vegan butter, use flavorless coconut oil or vegetable shortening.
• Replace the almonds with tofu if it’s more reasonably priced where you live.

Want to try a sweet flavor combination?

• Pumpkin pie
• Strawberry rhubarb
• Apple cinnamon
• Cherry, peach, or blackberry

Prep time: 40 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Cost: $3.86 recipe | $0.39 serving

Vegan Spinach Ricotta Hand Pies

Serves 10

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ($0.10)
• 2/3 cup chilled vegan butter, cubed ($2.24)
• ¼ teaspoon salt ($0.01)
• 3-4 tablespoons ice-cold water ($0.01)

Almond ricotta

• ¾ cup blanched almonds ($0.94)
• 2 tablespoons plant milk or water ($0.02)
• 1 teaspoon white miso paste ($0.05)
• ¾ teaspoon nutritional yeast ($0.06)
• ½ tablespoon avocado oil ($0.06)
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar ($0.05)
• ½ teaspoon salt ($0.01)

Spinach

• ½ tablespoon olive oil ($0.06)
• 1 clove garlic, minced ($0.04)
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped ($0.20)
• Salt & pepper to taste ($0.01)

Instructions

Dough

1. Add the flour and salt to a mixing bowl and whisk together. Drop-in cubed vegan butter or vegetable shortening. Cut the butter into the flour until clumps form.
2. Starting with a ¼ cup, pour ice-cold water in and press the dough with a spatula until it comes together. Add more water as needed.
3. Form the dough into a disc shape, wrap it tightly, and transfer it to your fridge to chill for 30 minutes.

Ricotta

1. Add the drained almonds, plant milk or water, miso paste, nutritional yeast, oil, lemon juice, and salt to a small blender.
2. Mix until the consistency is almost smooth (it should still resemble ricotta).
3. Make sure to scrape down the sides a few times throughout. Set aside.

Spinach

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium. Add in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes to open up the flavors. Add in the chopped spinach and cook it until it is just wilted.
2. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Transfer the cooked spinach and almond ricotta to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine, then set aside.

Shaping & baking

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly flour a surface, then roll the dough out until it’s ~1/8-inch thick. Cut out circles in the dough using a 3-inch cookie cutter.
3. Fill half of the circles with about 1 tablespoon of the spinach ricotta filling. Brush the edges with water, then place the other circles on top and press around the edges lightly with your fingers.
4. Crimp the edges of the pies with a fork, then poke or cut a vent in the tops. Transfer the completed pies to your baking sheet, and brush the tops with aquafaba (optional for color).
5. Bake the pies for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition: 1 of 10 servings
Calories 197| Total Fat 12.1g | Saturated Fat 2.7g | Cholesterol 0mg | Sodium 523mg | Total Carbohydrates 16.8g | Dietary Fiber 1.8g | Total Sugars 0.6g | Protein 4.2g | Calcium 32.3mg | Iron 1.4mg | Potassium 129.7mg |