Zucchini Quiche

Zucchini Quiche Recipe

Hello! We are going to prepare a delicious Zucchini Quiche, a versatile dish that combines the tenderness of zucchini with the creaminess of a cheese and egg filling. Ideal for any time of day and for sharing with family or friends. This simple and tasty recipe makes the most of fresh vegetables to create an artisanal quiche full of homemade flavor.

Preparation time

To organize your kitchen and prepare this quiche calmly, keep the following times in mind:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 35 minutes
• Total: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the base

• 1 sheet of shortcrust pastry (you can substitute it with puff pastry)

For the filling

• 2 medium zucchinis, cut into thin slices
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 eggs
• 200 ml of liquid cooking cream
• 150 g grated cheese (Gruyère, Cheddar or your preferred)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Ground pepper to taste
• Nutmeg to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

If you can't find shortcrust pastry, puff pastry is a good alternative and you can find it in supermarkets or prepare it at home with flour, butter, and a little cold water.

Utensils we will use

• Quiche or tart pan
• Medium frying pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Hand whisk or fork for beating
• Fork for pricking the dough

Preparation

1. Pre-bake the crust

1. Prepare the mold: Place the rolled-out shortcrust pastry in the quiche pan, ensuring it fits snugly against the edges.
2. Prick the base: With a fork, make small holes in the base to prevent the dough from rising or puffing up when baking.
3. Partially bake: Preheat the oven to 180 °C and bake the pastry for 10 minutes. This will help keep the pastry crispy and prevent it from getting soggy with the filling.

2. Cook the vegetables

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a frying pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until transparent and tender.
2. Add the zucchini: Add the zucchini slices and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently so they brown slightly and lose some of their water.
3. Reserve: Remove the pan from the heat and set aside the vegetable mixture to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the filling

1. Beat eggs and cream: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and liquid cream with a hand whisk or fork until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
2. Add cheese and seasonings: Incorporate the grated cheese, a pinch of salt, ground pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Mix all ingredients well.

4. Assemble the quiche

1. Distribute vegetables: Place the zucchini and onion mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
2. Pour the filling: Pour the egg, cream, and cheese mixture over the vegetables, making sure they are well covered.

5. Bake the quiche

1. Final cooking: Bake at 180 °C for 30-35 minutes, until the surface is golden and the center is firm to the touch.
2. Rest: Let the quiche cool for a few minutes out of the oven so that its texture stabilizes before cutting it.

To finish and serve

Before serving, check that the filling is firm and not liquid. You can accompany this Zucchini Delight with a fresh salad like the Mediterranean quinoa salad for a complete lunch. The quiche is delicious both hot and at room temperature, ideal for a picnic or a relaxed family meal.

Reasons to choose this Natural and tasty Quiche

• Lightness: Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable and adds freshness to the dish.
• Versatility: Perfect as a main course, appetizer, or even breakfast.
• Balanced flavor: Combines the smoothness of zucchini with the richness of cheese and cream.

This recipe is a clear example of how to make the most of seasonal vegetables and prepare a dish that will be a hit on any occasion. For more healthy and delicious ideas, you can explore other family recipes such as the spinach and bacon quiche or the broccoli and tomato frittata.

Tips for achieving the Perfect Quiche every time

• Par-bake the dough: Always pre-bake with weight to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
• Salt the vegetables: Sauté the zucchini to remove excess water and prevent the filling from becoming liquid.
• Choose cheeses with character: Gruyère or Cheddar add flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Do not overcook: The quiche should be golden but moist; control the cooking with the knife test.
• Let rest: A few minutes after baking help the filling set and make cutting easier.

Why it's ideal to enjoy this Vegetable Delight at any time of day

The Zucchini Quiche is a practical and nutritious option that fits seamlessly into casual or more elegant meals. Its adaptability makes it perfect for both late weekend breakfasts and light dinners, and it's also excellent for a picnic or a family gathering where an easy-to-share dish is desired. The combination of fresh ingredients amplifies the homemade flavor and smooth texture that everyone enjoys.

Comparing the Zucchini Quiche with other similar recipes

5 keys to make the Zucchini Quiche perfect

• 1. Control the zucchini's water: Sauté or drain well to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
• 2. Use cheeses that melt well: This way you get a creamy texture that unites all the flavors.
• 3. Preheat the base: This ensures a crispy and firm crust that holds the filling.
• 4. Don't overbake: An overcooked quiche loses juiciness and can dry out.
• 5. Rest before cutting: This will prevent it from falling apart and you'll enjoy a clean cut.

When is it ideal to enjoy the Zucchini quiche?

The zucchini quiche is ideal for any time you're looking for a simple, nutritious, and homemade-tasting meal. From a weekend brunch accompanied by egg and avocado salad, to a light dinner or an outdoor picnic. Its ease of being served hot or cold makes it a practical option to take to gatherings or share with family on days off.