Italian-style Quiche

Italian-style Quiche Recipe - Traditional & Delicious

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Italian-style Quiche is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of ground beef, spinach, rice, and cheese, all baked together in a savory custard. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special brunch.

History

Quiche originated in France, but this Italian-style version puts a unique twist on the classic dish by incorporating Italian flavors and ingredients. The combination of ground beef, spinach, and cheese gives this quiche a rich and satisfying taste that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of lean ground beef, or use a little more
1 cup of chopped onion
1 clove of crushed garlic
1 package of thawed frozen spinach (10 oz (283 g))
3 cups of cooked rice
1 cup of grated jack cheese
4 beaten eggs
0.75 cup of milk
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of pepper
1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz (425 g))
0.5 tsp each of basil, oregano, and seasoned pepper
pepper (optional)
1 tsp of garlic salt
0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Sauté the beef, onion, and garlic until the meat loses its red color.
Add the spinach, rice, and jack cheese.
Mix well.
Combine the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
Stir the egg mixture into the rice and meat mixture.
Transfer the mixture into a greased shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes or until set.
Meanwhile, blend the tomato sauce and seasonings.
Simmer the tomato sauce for about 5 minutes.
Cut the quiche into squares and serve topped with the tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly drain the thawed frozen spinach before adding it to the quiche mixture to prevent excess moisture.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite Italian herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes.

- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

- Make sure to let the quiche cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Italian-style Quiche can be served with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Italian-style Quiche is to cook the beef, onion, and garlic until they are well browned and flavorful. Be sure to season the quiche mixture generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. You can also use fresh spinach instead of frozen, but be sure to cook it down before adding it to the quiche mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the quiche mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Italian-style Quiche can be served straight from the casserole dish or plated individually for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian-style Quiche pairs well with a crisp green salad, a glass of red wine, or a side of garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Italian-style Quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian-style Quiche contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Italian-style Quiche contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Italian-style Quiche contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Italian-style Quiche contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian-style Quiche is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and milk) and eggs.

Summary

Italian-style Quiche is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Italian-style Quiche is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its hearty combination of beef, spinach, rice, and cheese, this quiche is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. As someone who enjoys cooking and is always looking for new recipes to try, I knew I had to learn how to make this Italian-style quiche. It was a dish that seemed to blend the best of both worlds - the creamy, cheesy goodness of a traditional quiche with the bold flavors of Italian cuisine.

I first came across this recipe when I was visiting my friend Maria, who is a fantastic cook and always has something delicious simmering on her stove. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. Maria was busy rolling out the dough for the quiche crust, and I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

"It's an Italian-style quiche," she explained, as she showed me how to spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the crust. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly agreed, and Maria began to walk me through the steps of making the quiche. She showed me how to sauté onions and garlic until they were soft and fragrant, then add in diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar for a bit of sweetness. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As we waited for the quiche to bake in the oven, Maria told me the story behind the recipe. She explained that her grandmother had learned how to make it from a friend who had immigrated from Italy many years ago. The recipe had been tweaked and perfected over the years, and now it was a beloved family favorite that was passed down from mother to daughter.

When the quiche was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy it together. The first bite was pure heaven - the creamy ricotta cheese combined with the savory vegetables and flaky crust was a match made in culinary heaven. I knew that I had to add this recipe to my own collection, and Maria was kind enough to write it down for me before I left.

Over the years, I have made this Italian-style quiche countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it is met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I always make sure to credit Maria and her family for sharing this delicious dish with me, as it has truly become a staple in my own kitchen.

As I reflect on the journey of learning how to make this Italian-style quiche, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. It is a recipe that has been passed down through generations, connecting me to a rich culinary tradition that I am proud to be a part of.

So the next time you are looking for a new recipe to try, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and give this Italian-style quiche a chance. Who knows, it may just become a beloved family favorite in your own kitchen, just like it has in mine. Buon appetito!