Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche

Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche Recipe with Pesto and Lemon Curd

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The combination of quinoa, smoked salmon, and a lemon yogurt sauce creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Quiche is a classic French dish that typically consists of a pastry crust filled with a savory custard mixture of eggs, milk, cheese, and various ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or seafood. This recipe puts a unique twist on the traditional quiche by using quinoa as the base instead of a pastry crust, and adding smoked salmon for a rich and smoky flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked quinoa grain
4 tbsp basil pesto
1 cup grated asiago cheese
4 large beaten eggs
0.5 cup milk
0.13 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 cup alder-smoked salmon
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp lemon curd
2 tsp lemon zest
chili leaves (optional)

How to prepare

Cook the quinoa according to the instructions. Then, add 4 tbsp of basil pesto to the cooked quinoa.
Next, add 0.5 cup of asiago cheese and mix well.
Press the quinoa mixture into a 9" pie plate, making sure to cover the sides and bottom of the pan to create a "crust". Place the crust into a preheated oven at 400° F for 15 minutes to set.
Remove the crust from the oven and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, combine 4 eggs, 0.5 cup of milk, 0.13 tsp of salt, and 0.25 tsp of pepper. Beat the mixture well.
Carefully fold in one cup of smoked salmon using a spatula.
Pour the mixture into the prepared "crust" and place it back in the 400° F oven for 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of asiago cheese on top and return the quiche to the oven for an additional 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tbsp of lemon curd, and 2 tsp of lemon zest. Refrigerate the mixture until the quiche has finished baking.
Allow the quiche to sit for 5-7 minutes before serving. Serve the lemon yogurt sauce alongside or on top of the quiche. Optionally, garnish with chili leaves.

Variations

You can customize this quiche by adding other ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the smoked salmon and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese or herbs to change up the flavor profile of the quiche.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the quinoa according to the package instructions to ensure that it is cooked properly and has the right texture for the quiche.

- Pressing the quinoa mixture into the pie plate to create a crust helps to hold the quiche together and adds a nice crunch to the dish.

- Folding in the smoked salmon gently will help to distribute it evenly throughout the quiche without breaking it up too much.

- Letting the quiche sit for a few minutes after baking will allow it to set and make it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions

This Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche can be served on its own as a main dish, or paired with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It is also delicious served with a slice of crusty bread or a side of fresh fruit.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the quiche to ensure even cooking.

- Use a spatula to gently fold in the smoked salmon to avoid breaking it up too much.

- Let the quiche cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to slice.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cooked grain in place of quinoa, such as rice, barley, or farro.

- If you don't have smoked salmon, you can use cooked salmon or another type of smoked fish.

- You can substitute the asiago cheese with another type of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the quinoa mixture and the egg mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the quiche.

- The lemon yogurt sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the quiche with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color and flavor. - Serve the lemon yogurt sauce on the side or drizzle it over the top of the quiche for a decorative touch. - Arrange the quiche slices on a platter with a sprinkle of chili leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche pairs well with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.

- A glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the flavors of the quiche nicely.

- Fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, makes a refreshing and light dessert to follow the quiche.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat the quiche, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

- The lemon yogurt sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and used as a topping for other dishes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of this Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

- Quinoa: 2 cups cooked quinoa contain approximately 72 grams of carbohydrates.

- Lemon curd: 2 tbsp of lemon curd contain approximately 24 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

- Smoked salmon: 1 cup of smoked salmon contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

- Asiago cheese: 1 cup of grated asiago cheese contains approximately 28 grams of fat.

Proteins

- Smoked salmon: 1 cup of smoked salmon contains approximately 40 grams of protein.

- Eggs: 4 large beaten eggs contain approximately 24 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Quinoa: Quinoa is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and zinc.

- Lemon zest: Lemon zest is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any time of day.

Summary

This Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With a crunchy quinoa crust, a creamy egg and smoked salmon filling, and a tangy lemon yogurt sauce, this quiche is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a picture of a Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche caught my eye. The combination of flavors and ingredients intrigued me, and I knew that I had to make it for my family.

I had never made a quiche before, let alone one with quinoa and smoked salmon. But I was always up for a challenge in the kitchen, and I was determined to master this recipe. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – quinoa, smoked salmon, eggs, milk, cheese, and a few other key components – and set to work.

The first step was to cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. As it simmered on the stovetop, I began to prepare the rest of the ingredients. I diced the smoked salmon into small pieces, grated the cheese, and whisked together the eggs and milk to create the custard base for the quiche.

Once the quinoa was cooked, I combined it with the smoked salmon and cheese, then poured the egg mixture over the top. I carefully folded everything together, making sure that each ingredient was evenly distributed throughout the dish. The smell of the smoked salmon mixed with the creamy custard was mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to see how it would all come together in the oven.

As the quiche baked, the aroma wafted through the house, drawing my family into the kitchen. My husband and children eagerly awaited the finished product, their mouths watering in anticipation. When I finally pulled the quiche out of the oven, it was golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness.

I sliced into the quiche and served it up to my family, their eyes lighting up with delight as they took their first bite. The smoked salmon added a rich, savory flavor to the dish, while the quinoa added a nutty crunch that complemented the creamy custard perfectly. It was a hit with everyone at the table, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made this Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I'll throw in some fresh herbs or vegetables from my garden, or switch up the type of cheese I use. But no matter how I choose to customize it, the core flavors of the dish always shine through, reminding me of that rainy Sunday afternoon when I first discovered this delicious recipe.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing it down through the generations just like my grandmother did with me. And as I sit here now, writing this story for my own grandchildren to read, I can't help but smile at the thought of them one day making this quiche in their own kitchens, creating new memories and traditions of their own.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a show-stopping dish to impress your loved ones, look no further than my Smoked Salmon Quinoa Quiche. It may have been inspired by a rainy Sunday afternoon and an old cookbook, but its flavors are timeless and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Enjoy!