Ingredients:
For the Quiche:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both; you can also use feta or goat cheese)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half (or use whole milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional but adds a nice depth of flavor)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley, dill, or basil), finely chopped for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan with olive oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet (or thawed frozen spinach) and cook until the spinach is wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 eggs, half-and-half (or milk), salt, pepper, nutmeg (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- Stir the sautéed spinach and onion mixture into the egg mixture. Add the shredded cheese and mix until evenly distributed.
5. Bake the Quiche:
- Pour the egg and spinach mixture into the prepared pie dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the middle and lightly golden on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean when the quiche is fully cooked.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations:
- Add-ins: You can add other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the onions before adding the spinach.
- Meat options: For extra protein, try adding cooked bacon, sausage, or diced ham. Stir them into the egg mixture along with the spinach.
- Cheese variations: Swap the cheddar and mozzarella for crumbled feta, goat cheese, or parmesan for a different flavor.
- Meal prep: This quiche stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s also freezer-friendly! Just slice it up and freeze individual portions for a quick breakfast or lunch later.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: ~160-200 (depending on the cheese and milk used)
- Fat: ~12g
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~3g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Net Carbs: ~2g (perfect for low-carb or keto diets)
This crustless spinach quiche is a light yet satisfying dish, full of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast, brunch, or dinner option, this quiche is sure to be a hit! Enjoy!