Spinach Quiche
The most renowned of the savory custards is quiche, typically filled with small pieces of vegetables, meats, fish, and/or cheese and baked in a tart or pie crust. Let me present a delightful fresh spinach quiche abundant in nutrients. Instead of cream, I opt for 2% milk combined with creamy Boursin soft white cheese enriched with shallots and chives. The crust is made from scratch, using butter, flour, and sour cream. This superb vegetarian dish is suitable for any mealtime. I relish it with a side of garden salad or crisp raw vegetable salad.
Spinach Quiche
By Zosia Culinary Adventures | Date: June 11, 2024
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 30-40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Tools: requires 25 to 30 cm tart pan
Ingredients to make the dough
1.5 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted cold butter, cut into small pieces
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 egg yolk with pinch of salt to brush the crust
Ingredients to make the filling:
250 g fresh spinach, washed and drained, chopped
4 eggs
1.5 cups 2% milk
150 g Boursin soft white cheese, preferable with chives and shallots
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of butter
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup fresh parsley and chives, finely chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp white pepper
Instructions:
Grease the tart pan well with butter.
Mix the flour and butter together using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be sure to combine them thoroughly but avoid overworking the dough to maintain a crumbly texture.
Add sour cream and stir with wooden spoon or with your hand until the mixture holds well together.
Roll out the dough evenly until it reaches the desired thickness and carefully shape it to fit the dimensions of the tart or pie shell. Gently press the dough down onto the bottom surface and up along the sides of the dish, ensuring a snug and uniform fit.
Preheat the oven to 425ºF or 218ºC.
To prepare for baking, make sure to thoroughly prick the sides and bottom of the crust using a fork. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the crust achieves a beautiful golden color. If you notice any bubbling during baking, feel free to prick the crust once again to prevent it.
In the meantime, make sure to prepare the yolk glaze by adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. When the crust in the oven turns a beautiful golden hue, take it out, delicately brush it with the yolk glaze, and pop it back in the oven for just 1 minute. This crucial step ensures that the crust maintains its crispness and doesn't become soggy when we add the filling for our delectable quiche. Once ready, set aside until your filling is ready.
Spinach filling can be prepared beforehand, but I prefer it fresh.
To prevent the egg filling from becoming watery, ensure to cook the mixture of chopped onion, garlic, and spinach in melted butter until most of the moisture has evaporated.This recipe typically yields approximately 1.5 cups of cooked spinach. To elevate the taste, you can choose to season it with a hint of salt, ensuring not to overdo it to maintain the dish's balance. Set aside.
Whisk together the milk, savory white soft cheese, and eggs until smooth. Then, gently fold in the fragrant chopped chives and parsley to add a burst of freshness. Complete the mixture by seasoning with a touch of mild white pepper and salt.
Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the bottom of the crust, ensuring full coverage. Gently pour the creamy egg mixture over the bed of spinach, allowing it to seep into the layers. Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the dish.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes at 400ºF or 205ºC. You'll know it's ready when the filling is nicely puffed around the edges and a knife placed in the center comes out clean.
Let the quiche cool off for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve the spinach quiche with garden salad or side of your choice.
Nutrition Facts per One Serving 💗
Calories 298 | Fat 17.8 g \ Saturated Fat 9.4g\ Cholesterol 258mg\ Sodium 203 mg\ Total Carbohydrate 23.3g\ Dietary Fiber 1.5g\ Total Sugars 1.9g\ Protein 12.8 g \ Vitamin D 25 mcg\ Calcium 195 mg\ Iron 3 mg\ Potassium 383 mg
