Creamy Spinach And Ricotta Quiche Recipe: Easy, Delicious & Nutritious!

Spinach and ricotta together create a synergy that's not only a delight for the taste buds but also offers a wealth of nutritional benefits. This duo provides a creamy texture and a perfect balance of flavors, making this Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Quiche the ultimate comfort food with a health twist. 🌿🍰

Why Choose Spinach and Ricotta for Your Quiche?

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=spinach+and+ricotta+quiche+benefits" alt="Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Quiche Benefits"> </div>

The combination of spinach and ricotta is not just about taste; it's about health benefits as well:

• Nutrient-Rich Spinach: 🌱 Iron, folate, and vitamin K for blood health, immune function, and bone strength.
• Calcium-Packed Ricotta: 🧀 Aids in muscle and nerve function, crucial for the heart, and promotes bone health.

This quiche, therefore, combines essential nutrients in an easy-to-digest form, making it a smart choice for any meal.

Key Ingredients for a Nutritious Quiche

Here are the star players for our spinach and ricotta quiche:

• Eggs: Provide protein, vitamin D, B12, and choline.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds fiber, iron, and other vitamins.
• Ricotta Cheese: Contributes to calcium intake and creaminess.
• Whole Wheat or Spelt Pastry: A healthier alternative for the crust, adding fiber.

Now, let's delve into the easy, step-by-step recipe for making this nutritious and delicious quiche.

Making Your Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Quiche

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=spinach+and+ricotta+quiche+ingredients" alt="Spinach and Ricotta Quiche Ingredients"> </div>

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Crust: Whole wheat flour, butter, salt, ice water.
• For the Filling: Eggs, ricotta cheese, spinach (fresh or frozen), nutmeg, garlic, salt, pepper, and milk or cream.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Crust

   • In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
   • Cut in 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
   • Roll the dough into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Filling Preparation

   • Cook the Spinach: Sauté a clove of minced garlic in a bit of olive oil, add fresh spinach (10 oz) or thawed frozen spinach, and cook until wilted. Remove excess moisture by squeezing it out.
   • Blend the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk 3 large eggs with 1 cup of ricotta cheese, a dash of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked spinach.

3. Assembling the Quiche

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges.
   • Pour the filling into the prepared crust. You can add a touch of milk or cream on top for a richer flavor.

4. Baking Your Quiche

   • Bake for 45-55 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

5. Cooling and Serving

   • Allow the quiche to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the quiche to set and makes for cleaner cuts.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=spinach+and+ricotta+quiche+preparation" alt="Spinach and Ricotta Quiche Preparation"> </div>

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: Always let the quiche rest before cutting to ensure the filling sets properly. A hot quiche will be too runny to serve neatly.</p>

Personalizing Your Quiche

Here are some creative twists:

• Add Extra Cheeses: Try feta for a sharp tang or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Incorporate Vegetables: Add roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Crust Variations: Experiment with different flours or even try a no-crust option with a mixture of breadcrumbs and cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Quiche

• Blind Baking: Pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes to prevent it from getting soggy.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality ricotta can make a significant difference.
• Seasoning: Don't shy away from seasonings; they bring out the flavors of the spinach and ricotta.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=spinach+and+ricotta+quiche+tips" alt="Tips for Spinach and Ricotta Quiche"> </div>

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: If you notice the quiche cooking too fast on the outside but still liquid in the center, you can lower the temperature by 15 degrees and cover with foil to prevent the top from burning.</p>

The Nutritional Benefits and Adaptations

This spinach and ricotta quiche is not only delectable but also highly nutritious. Here’s why:

• Low-Calorie: A serving is around 300 calories, perfect for a balanced diet.
• Protein-Rich: Eggs and cheese provide high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
• Heart-Healthy: Spinach’s nutrients help manage cholesterol levels.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=spinach+and+ricotta+quiche+nutritional+benefits" alt="Nutritional Benefits of Spinach and Ricotta Quiche"> </div>

Adapting for Dietary Needs

• Vegetarian: Naturally vegetarian-friendly, ensuring you use a vegetarian cheese.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with tofu or flaxseed mixture, use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, and a vegan crust.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free pastry mix for the crust.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make this quiche ahead of time?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can prepare this quiche the night before or even freeze it before baking. Just be sure to let it thaw completely before cooking.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long does this quiche last in the fridge?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>It will keep well for up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I substitute frozen spinach for fresh?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, use 10 oz of frozen spinach, making sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

The creamy spinach and ricotta quiche is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, from a hearty brunch to a light dinner. Its rich flavor profile, combined with the health benefits, makes it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you're looking to eat healthier or just indulge in something comforting, this quiche checks all the boxes. Enjoy the process of making it, and more importantly, savor every bite!