Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche
A delicate balance of creamy ricotta and savory spinach, the ricotta and spinach quiche is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch.
attending a gathering, or simply looking to enjoy a flavorful meal, this quiche offers a rich, satisfying experience.
Its light yet hearty filling, paired with a buttery crust, makes it an irresistible option that pleases both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
3 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
Begin by preparing the crust. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate it until.
the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, stirring until the dough just comes together.
Turn it out onto a floured surface, knead briefly, and form a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough chills, prepare the spinach. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Then, add the spinach, cooking until wilted.
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, then set aside to cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie dish.
Press the dough into the dish, trimming any excess around the edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom.
of the crust and then place it in the fridge for another 10 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking.
While the crust is chilling, make the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, ricotta cheese, and milk. Stir in the cooked spinach mixture.
along with any desired herbs, and season with salt and pepper. If you prefer a richer filling, you can mix in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese at this stage.
Once the crust is ready, bake it for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. After the crust is partially baked, pour the spinach and ricotta filling.
into the crust and smooth it into an even layer. Return the quiche to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned on top.
Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, as both options offer a wonderful flavor experience.
If you’re making it ahead of time, simply reheat the quiche in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make
To create the perfect ricotta and spinach quiche, attention to detail is key. Begin by making a flaky, buttery crust. If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own.
store-bought pie crusts will work as a convenient substitute. However, homemade crust brings a unique flavor and texture that elevates the dish.
The filling itself is where the magic happens. The ricotta cheese brings a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the spinach, while the eggs provide structure and richness.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs or cheeses depending on what you have available or what flavors you prefer. Thyme and a touch of nutmeg are great choices.
but you could also incorporate fresh basil or even some finely grated Parmesan for a sharper taste.
One of the keys to this dish is ensuring that the spinach is properly prepared. After cooking the spinach, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture.
This prevents the quiche from becoming too watery and ensures a smooth, stable filling. If you skip this step, you might end up with a soggy bottom crust, which we want to avoid.
When it comes to baking, keep an eye on the quiche. Every oven is different, so the exact baking time might vary slightly.
Check the quiche after 25 minutes; the filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. If it’s still too runny, continue to bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Once out of the oven, allow the quiche to cool for a short time before serving. This allows the flavors to set.
making it easier to slice and ensuring the filling stays in place. A sharp knife will give you clean cuts, making the quiche look as elegant as it tastes.
While this dish is ideal for brunch or lunch, it also works wonderfully for dinner. You can pair it with a light salad or some roasted.
vegetables for a complete meal. The beauty of quiche lies in its versatility, so feel free to adapt it to your needs or preferences.
Finally, don’t forget that this quiche can be made ahead of time. It’s even better.
the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld. Simply store it in the fridge, and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Tips
One of the best tips for making a perfect ricotta and spinach quiche is to ensure that your crust doesn’t get soggy.
Pre-bake the crust for a few minutes to help it set before adding the filling. This step makes all the difference in ensuring that your quiche has a crisp, flaky base.
Another important tip is to avoid overcooking the filling. When the quiche is done, the center should still have a slight jiggle, as it will continue to cook from residual.
heat once removed from the oven. Overcooking can cause the eggs to curdle and result in a dry, rubbery texture.
If you’re looking to add a bit more flavor to the crust, consider incorporating some finely grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough.
These subtle additions can complement the richness of the filling and elevate the overall taste of the quiche.
For a healthier twist, you can substitute the heavy cream or milk in the filling with low-fat versions or even Greek yogurt.
This will still provide a creamy texture but with fewer calories. You can also experiment with different greens, such as kale or Swiss chard, instead of spinach.
When preparing the spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible after cooking.
This is an essential step that ensures your quiche filling remains firm and avoids any unwanted wateriness that can make the crust soggy.
Consider adding a bit of zest with a touch of lemon juice or lemon zest in the filling. The citrus notes can bring a lovely balance to the richness of the ricotta and complement the savory spinach.
Finally, if you want to get creative with the filling, feel free to add other vegetables or even some cooked bacon or ham.
for a non-vegetarian version. The beauty of quiche is its versatility, so don’t hesitate to tailor it to your preferences.
Conclusion
This ricotta and spinach quiche is a delicious, elegant dish that works for nearly any occasion. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and savory flavors.
it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it offers both ease of preparation and a satisfying meal.
The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. Feel free to make it your own with additional ingredients or variations on the herbs and cheeses. No matter how you make it, this quiche is guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.