National Dish Cyprus: Olive Pie (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Olive Pie, a savoury little pastry that packs the whole spirit of the Mediterranean into a single bite! These crisp, golden parcels are stuffed with fresh olives, softened onion and fragrant herbs, then baked until burnished and irresistible. Perfect as a snack, a starter or part of a leisurely spread, they bring the sun-soaked flavours of Cyprus straight to your table.
About Olive Pie
Olive Pie is a traditional dish from Cyprus that gathers up the flavours of Mediterranean cooking in one neat parcel. This delicious pastry — known locally as eliopita — is made from a crisp dough wrapped around an aromatic filling of fresh, regional olives. The combination of rich olive oil and a handful of well-chosen spices gives the pie its unmistakable character. Ideal as a snack, a starter or even a hearty main, Olive Pie carries the warmth of the island straight to your plate.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 ml water
- 50 ml olive oil
- 150 g pitted olives
- 1 onion
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To make the best Olive Pie, it is worth choosing good-quality ingredients. Visit your local market or a well-stocked supermarket to track down fresh olives. Make sure they are well rinsed and pitted. You can also use jarred olives instead, but check that they are not sitting in an overly salty brine, as this can throw off the balance of the finished dish.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin the Olive Pie, get all your ingredients ready to hand — it saves time and keeps everything running smoothly. Start by finely chopping the onion and roughly chopping the olives. Freshly cut herbs will intensify the flavour, and there is no reason to be shy with the seasoning. Good preparation is the key to a successful bake.
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine the flour, water and olive oil in a bowl until you have a smooth dough.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
- Sauté the onion in a pan with a little olive oil until golden.
- Add the chopped olives and thyme, then season with salt and pepper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out small circles.
- Spoon the filling into the centre of each circle and seal the edges well.
- Place the parcels on a baking tray and bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes, until golden.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
There is an easy gluten-free version of Olive Pie. Use gluten-free flour, which is available in most supermarkets, and double-check that the other ingredients are free from gluten too — especially any processed items. To keep it lactose-free, reach for a flavourful oil rather than butter. That way the dish stays light and every bit as enjoyable.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Olive Pie lends itself beautifully to vegan and vegetarian diets. When shopping, make sure the ingredients you use are vegan, the olives included. In place of any animal products, use plant-based oils such as coconut or sunflower oil. Feel free to experiment with different fillings — spinach or pumpkin, for example — to create fresh new flavour combinations.
More tips and tricks
To achieve the perfect Olive Pie, knead the dough well so it takes on the right consistency. Always let it rest before shaping, as this makes it far easier to work with later. A pinch of sugar in the savoury dough can help bring the flavours forward. Play around with different spice mixes to vary the aromas and tailor the pie to your own taste.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Olive Pie is easy to adjust to personal preference. If you like a bit of heat, add chilli or paprika. For a richer, tangier note, sun-dried tomatoes or a little feta make a lovely addition. Try out different combinations and let your creativity run free — the olives, though, remain the key to success. The same easygoing spirit runs through a cheese-filled bake like Flaounes.
Ingredient substitutions
If certain ingredients are not to your liking or simply unavailable, there are plenty of alternatives to work into your Olive Pie. In place of olives you could use capers, which lend a similar sharp, briny note. For an extra layer of flavour, add fresh garlic. Switching between wholemeal and plain flour also lets you fine-tune the texture until you land on the perfect result.
Drink pairing ideas
A refreshing wine goes wonderfully with a good Olive Pie. A dry white wine from the region or a chilled rosé makes an ideal companion, echoing the flavours of the dish. Alternatively, citrusy soft drinks or water with mint and lemon capture that same Mediterranean freshness. Just make sure the drink harmonises with the flavours and rounds off the meal.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation matters with Olive Pie — a good-looking plate delights the eye before the first bite. Serve the parcels on a handsome platter garnished with fresh herbs. Scatter a few olives or juicy tomatoes around them to bring the colours to life. A final drizzle of olive oil over the finished pies adds an appetising sheen and extra flavour.
A bit of history
Olive Pie has deep roots in the history of Cyprus, reflecting the many cultural influences that have shaped the island. Olives have featured in Cypriot cuisine for centuries — not only as a staple food but as a symbol of prosperity and good health. The pastry has evolved over the years and is now a much-loved dish in countless Cypriot homes and restaurants, a food that binds memory and tradition and stands for the warm hospitality of the island’s people.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Olive Pie
Olive Pie is not just a delicious dish but a little piece of Cypriot culture and tradition. With fresh ingredients and a straightforward recipe, the essence of the Mediterranean is easy to bring to the table. Whether served as a snack or a starter, Olive Pie is guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of you and your guests. Take the chance to try this wonderful dish for yourself and savour the flavours of the Mediterranean.
