Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also surprisingly healthy? Look no further than this delightful squash quiche! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated brunch. It's packed with seasonal goodness, boasting the sweet and savory flavors of butternut squash, perfectly complemented by creamy eggs and a flaky crust. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe, guaranteed to become a new favorite in your healthy meal rotation.
Ingredients:
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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
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For the Filling:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 1 ½ pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roast the Squash
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
Step 3: Assemble the Quiche
- Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a pan until softened.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Stir in the cheddar cheese, goat cheese (if using), roasted squash, and sautéed onion and garlic.
- Pour the egg mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Step 4: Bake the Quiche
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh sage leaves, if desired.
Tips for the Best Squash Quiche:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade pie crust.
- Don't overbake the quiche; it should be set but not dry.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère or Fontina.
- Add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or kale for extra nutrition and flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Squash Quiche: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little heat.
- Vegetarian Squash Quiche: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based cream for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Herb-infused Squash Quiche: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This delicious squash quiche is a perfect example of how healthy and flavorful homemade cooking can be. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!