Looking for a delightful dish to impress your brunch guests? This savory asparagus quiche is the perfect choice! With a flaky pie crust and a creamy filling, this quiche offers a wonderful combination of textures and flavors.
This recipe shines with fresh asparagus, creating a light yet satisfying meal. The pie crust is buttery and flaky, enhancing the overall experience of this classic dish.
Overview of Asparagus Quiche
The asparagus quiche stands out as a delightful dish, perfect for any brunch gathering or light dinner. This savory creation brings together a flaky pie crust and a creamy filling that harmonizes beautifully with fresh, tender asparagus. Its lightness, combined with rich flavors, makes it a beloved choice among many home cooks.
Each slice reveals a vibrant, golden hue complemented by the green asparagus spears, creating a visually appealing presentation. The balance of textures—from the crispy outer crust to the smooth custard filling—ensures a satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients that Shine
At the heart of the asparagus quiche are its fresh ingredients. A variety of cheeses can be used, with Gruyère or cheddar being popular options, contributing to a creamy texture and rich flavor profile. The choice of cheese can elevate the dish further, making it even more appealing.
Fresh asparagus is not just a key ingredient; it’s also the star of the dish. Its vibrant green color and tender crunch provide a delightful contrast in every bite. The use of herbs can also enhance its flavor, making it a versatile recipe that can adapt to personal tastes.
Creating the Perfect Pie Crust
A flaky pie crust is essential for a successful quiche, serving as the foundation that holds all the delicious components together. Whether opting for a store-bought version or making one from scratch, the crust should be baked to a golden perfection. This provides a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy filling.
It’s essential to poke holes in the crust before baking to prevent bubbling, ensuring that the base remains intact and offers a sturdy support for the quiche filling. This simple step is crucial for achieving the ideal texture in the finished dish.
Sautéing Fresh Asparagus
To bring out the best flavor in asparagus, a quick sauté in olive oil is a fantastic method. Cooking the asparagus just until tender infuses the dish with a fresh taste while retaining some crunch. This preparation not only enhances the flavor but also makes the asparagus more digestible.
Incorporating sautéed asparagus into the quiche allows for a deeper flavor infusion, making each bite more enjoyable. The vibrant green color of the asparagus also adds to the visual appeal before the quiche is baked.
The Custard Mixture
The custard that binds everything together is a simple yet essential part of the quiche. Whisking together eggs, cream, and seasonings creates a rich mixture that envelops the asparagus and cheese. The addition of nutmeg, though optional, can introduce an intriguing subtlety to the flavor profile.
Pouring this custard over the layered ingredients ensures that every bite is creamy and flavorful. The cooking process allows the custard to set perfectly, creating a delightful contrast to the flaky crust.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the asparagus quiche requires careful attention to timing and temperature. A preheated oven ensures that the quiche cooks evenly, resulting in a golden top and firm filling. The visual cue of a well-browned surface indicates that the quiche is ready to be taken out of the oven.
Allowing the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing helps maintain its structure, ensuring clean slices that showcase the creamy interior. Serving warm or at room temperature allows for flexibility, making it an excellent choice for gatherings.
Delicious Asparagus Quiche Recipe
This asparagus quiche features tender asparagus spears baked in a rich, creamy custard, all encased in a deliciously flaky pie crust. Each slice is a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal dish for brunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyère or cheddar)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and trim any excess. Poke holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Sauté the Asparagus: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender. Remove from heat.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Assemble the Quiche: Sprinkle the sautéed asparagus and shredded cheese evenly over the pie crust. Pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g