Tasty Spinach Quiche

Tasty Spinach Quiche Recipe from France and Switzerland

Region / culture: France, Switzerland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spinach quiche is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. This savory pie is filled with fresh spinach, eggs, cheese, and a creamy half-and-half mixture, all baked in a flaky pie crust. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy meal or a dish to impress your guests, spinach quiche is sure to please.

History

Quiche originated in France and has been a popular dish for centuries. The word "quiche" is derived from the German word "kuchen," which means cake. Originally, quiche was made with a custard filling and a pastry crust, but over time, variations with different fillings, such as spinach, mushrooms, and bacon, have become popular.

Ingredients

1 (9-inch) deep dish unbaked pie shell
1.5 cups fresh spinach
3 tbsp butter
4 eggs
1 cup half-and-half
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp nutmeg
1 cup shredded mozzarella or swiss cheese

How to prepare

Allow the pie shell to thaw at room temperature while combining the other ingredients.
Wash the spinach and remove any coarse stems.
Melt the butter in a large skillet; add the spinach and cook for 5 minutes or until the spinach is limp.
Chop the spinach finely.
Beat the eggs; stir in the half-and-half, salt, nutmeg, cheese, and chopped spinach.
Pour the mixture into the pie shell.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow it to stand for approximately 5 minutes before cutting.
The dish can be served warm or cold.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as mushrooms, onions, bacon, or sun-dried tomatoes. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly wash and dry the spinach before cooking to remove any dirt or grit.

- To save time, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the quiche.

- For a richer flavor, you can substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half.

- To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, you can pre-bake it for a few minutes before adding the filling.

Serving Suggestions

Spinach quiche can be served on its own as a main dish or paired with a side salad for a complete meal. It also makes a great addition to a brunch spread or potluck.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful spinach quiche is to cook the spinach until it is wilted and chop it finely before adding it to the filling. This will ensure that the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the quiche.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have half-and-half, you can use a combination of milk and heavy cream as a substitute. You can also use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, in place of the Swiss cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the quiche ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.

Presentation Ideas

To make your spinach quiche look more visually appealing, you can garnish it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, before serving. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika or black pepper for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Spinach quiche pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a mixed green salad, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a cup of hot tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover spinach quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of spinach quiche contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of spinach quiche contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of spinach quiche contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of spinach quiche contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. This quiche is a great way to incorporate these essential nutrients into your diet.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and half-and-half) and eggs. It may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Spinach quiche is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great way to incorporate leafy greens into your diet.

Summary

Spinach quiche is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. With its creamy filling, flaky crust, and nutritious spinach, this quiche is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for inspiration for dinner. As I flipped through the faded index cards and clippings from magazines, my eyes landed on a small, handwritten note tucked away in the corner.

The note was written in elegant cursive, with the title "Tasty Spinach Quiche" scrawled across the top. It was a simple list of ingredients and instructions, but something about it caught my attention. I had never made a quiche before, and the idea of combining eggs, cheese, and spinach in a flaky pie crust sounded like a delicious challenge.

I traced my finger over the words on the note, imagining the flavors and textures coming together in a perfect harmony. I knew I had to give it a try.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from. Perhaps it was from a friend at a potluck, or maybe I had seen it in a cookbook at the library. Regardless, I was excited to try something new and expand my culinary repertoire.

I gathered the ingredients from my pantry and fridge, carefully measuring out the quantities as instructed on the note. The spinach was fresh and vibrant, the eggs were free-range from a local farm, and the cheese was a sharp cheddar that I had grated myself. I could already picture the golden crust and creamy filling coming together in my oven.

As I mixed the ingredients together in a large bowl, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. I poured the mixture into the prepared pie crust and slid it into the oven, setting the timer for 45 minutes.

The kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of baking quiche as I waited anxiously for it to be done. The minutes ticked by slowly, but finally, the timer dinged, and I carefully removed the quiche from the oven.

It was perfect. The crust was golden and flaky, the filling was creamy and flavorful, and the aroma was irresistible. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

I sliced into the quiche and took a bite, savoring the creamy texture and rich flavors. The spinach added a fresh, earthy note to the dish, while the cheese melted into a gooey perfection. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

As I enjoyed my first bite of Tasty Spinach Quiche, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my culinary repertoire. It was a dish that brought together simple ingredients in a delicious and satisfying way, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends.

From that day on, Tasty Spinach Quiche became a favorite in my household. I made it for brunches, potlucks, and family gatherings, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. It was a recipe that brought people together and sparked joy in every bite.

I may not remember where I got the recipe from, but I will always be grateful for the day I stumbled upon that handwritten note in my recipe box. It opened up a world of new flavors and possibilities, and I will forever cherish the memories of making and sharing Tasty Spinach Quiche with the ones I love.