Friends, it’s time to make some pie. Today we will embark on a journey to make quiche. I will not hesitate to admit that

I have never tried to make pastry dishes therefore, if I can be successful in making this beautiful rich and creamy dish, anyone can. Quiche is a must try for everyone, as it tastes extremely good and in general, making a pie crust will make you feel awesome and confident because it is practically a no-fail deal.

Quiche is a classic French savory dish made with a buttery pastry crust, filled with vegetables, meat or fruits and topped with a filling of eggs and milk or cream which, when bakes, becomes a custard. Quiche can be served hot or cold. The best part about quiche is that the possibilities of making it are endless! One more thing. Quiche is a full meal therefore, if you make it with healthy ingredients, this is the best alternative to regular lunch or dinner.

I made the quiche with fresh green spinach and homemade cottage cheese, as for me and my husband they are the best combination.  My version of the recipe is a very healthy and filling meal especially if you are on a dietary constraint.

Pastry Dough
Ingredients

• Flour – 2 – 2 ½ cups ( I have used whole wheat flour)
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Sugar 1 teaspoon
• Butter –  75 gm  – 100 gm
• Ice water – ¼ to ½ cup ( use as required)

Combine flour, salt, and sugar and sieve it. Add butter into the flour and mix it with your fingertips till its crumbly like sand. Now softly knead the flour with ¼ cup ice water. Add more after if and when required to form a crumbly dough. Add water one tablespoon at a time, do not over mix the dough. Transfer all the crumbly dough into a plastic wrap, let it rest in fridge for at least an hour before use. 

Filling

• Spinach – chopped and blanched – ¾ cup
• Spring onions – 2 chopped
• Cottage cheese – ¾ cup – cubed and slight fried till light brown
• Green chilies – 2 medium chopped
• Chicken / Olives / Corns / Sausages / anything you like – (optional, as desired)
• Salt & Black pepper – to taste

Topping

• Cheddar Cheese – ½ cup
• Eggs – 2
• Milk – ½ cup
• Mayonnaise (Optional) – 2 tablespoon
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon or adjust to taste
• White pepper – ½ teaspoon or adjust to taste
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon or adjust to taste
• Herbs (oregano, basil)  – ½ teaspoon

Method 

• Pre heat oven to 180 Centigrade ( 350 F )
• Roll out the dough into an 8 inch pie dish. Gently fit the dough into the bottom and sides of the dish. Carefully handle the dough so it does not stretch or tear. With a small sharp knife, trim the extra overhang of dough.
• Prick the dough with fork and bake it for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
• While the pie crust is baking, whisk together eggs, milk mayonnaise and cheese. Sprinkle salt, black pepper and herbs. Set it aside.
• Stir fry spinach, onions, green chilies, cottage cheese. Season it with salt and pepper and let it cool before adding into the prepared pastry.
• After 10 minutes, remove the pie dish from oven and spread the spinach cottage filling on the top. Pour the whisked eggs with milk and cheese on top.
• Bake it in a preheated oven until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let it stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Side Note:

• The quiche makes great leftovers! Store tightly in air tight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Baked quiche can be  kept frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake at  180°C to warm up for 20 minutes.
• Quiche can also be made without the pie crust in order to have a low calorie meal.

 

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Serving: 4 – 6 (recipe best for 6 or 8 inch pie dish)