Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something healthy, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These individual spinach quiches are the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. They’re packed with nutritious spinach, creamy eggs, and a flaky crust, making them a delightful and healthy choice for the entire family. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals or families. Let's get started on this simple yet impressive dish!
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Prepare ramekins: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease six ramekins or small oven-safe dishes.
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Wilt spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
- Whisk eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Combine filling: Stir the cooked spinach and onion mixture into the egg mixture.
Assembling and Baking the Quiches:
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut and fit: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or knife to cut out six circles of dough. Press each circle into a prepared ramekin, trimming any excess dough.
- Fill ramekins: Pour the spinach and egg mixture evenly into the prepared crusts.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the quiches are set and lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Let the quiches cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Different cheeses can be used to vary the taste; try feta, goat cheese, or Gruyère.
- For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon.
- These individual quiches are perfect for meal prepping; prepare them ahead of time and reheat as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy spinach quiche recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy and delicious meals. The individual portions make it perfect for lunches, dinners, or even a delightful brunch. Enjoy!