Description
The combination of tender spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, nestled in a golden, flaky crust, creates a quiche that is both indulgent and nutritious. This Spinach and Ricotta Quiche is perfect for a leisurely brunch, a light lunch, or a simple dinner, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen, around 2 cups
- Ricotta cheese: 1 cup, ensuring it’s creamy and smooth
- Eggs: 4 large eggs
- Cream: 1 cup, for a rich custard base
- Pastry crust: Homemade or store-bought, sufficient for a 9-inch quiche pan
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste
Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparing the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together.
- Gather the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your quiche pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the edges.
- Trim any excess dough and chill the crust again while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the spinach in a pan with a little olive oil until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and excess water is squeezed out.
- In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, eggs, and cream until smooth.
- Stir in the sautéed spinach and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Assembling the Quiche:
- Pour the spinach and ricotta filling into the chilled pastry crust, spreading it evenly.
- Place the quiche on a baking sheet to catch any spills and bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
Baking the Quiche:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the assembled quiche on the middle rack of your oven.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the crust doesn’t burn.
- The quiche is done when the center is set, and the top is slightly golden. You can test by inserting a knife or a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, let the quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Blind bake crust for 10 minutes if you prefer a crisper base.
Use low-fat ricotta or substitute with blended cottage cheese for a lighter version.
Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or herbs for variation.
For crustless quiche, grease the pan and bake filling directly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
