Cheese and Spinach Quiche

Spinach season is on the way!

Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia (Iran). It made its way to China in the 7th century when the king of Nepal sent it as a gift. Spinach has a much more recent history in Europe than many other vegetables. It was only brought to that continent in the 11th century, when the Moors introduced it into Spain. In fact, for a while, spinach was known as “the Spanish vegetable” in England.

Spinach was the favorite vegetable of Catherine de Medici, a historical figure in the 16th century. When she left her home of Florence, Italy, to marry the king of France, she brought along her own cooks, who could prepare spinach the ways that she especially liked. Since this time, dishes prepared on a bed of spinach are referred to as “a la Florentine”.

This is not a typical quiche dough, but it’s absolutely delicious. It is soft and it goes perfectly with the flavors of spinach and cheese.

Cheese and spinach quiche is great for spring Sunday brunch or picnic!

Ingredients

For the dough

• 200 g (1 1/2 cup) all purpose flour
• 5 g (1/2 tbsp) baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 120 g (1/2 cup) butter, cold
• 130 g (1/2 cup) Greek plain yogurt

For the filling

• 3 eggs
• 130 g (1/2 cup) Greek plain yogurt
• 245 g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 500 g (3 cups) cleaned blanched or frozen spinach
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 130 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella for topping

Preparation

1. In a large bowl mix flour with baking powder and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix yogurt with the egg.
3. Add flour mixture to the egg and yogurt, add the crumbled butter and mix until combined.
4. Wrap the dough in a cling wrap and refrigerate it for 1/2 hour.
5. In the meanwhile, prepare the filling.
6. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (355 °F).
7. Simmer the spinach lightly for 5 minutes. Season with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
8. In a large bowl whisk the eggs with yogurt, cheese and spices.
9. Roll the dough and place it in a round ceramic pan or a pie pan, leaving the dough on the sides.
10. Bake for 10 minutes until the dough gets a light crust and then remove it from the oven.
11. On a lightly baked pastry first lay simmered spinach, then the mixture with eggs.
12. Top with grated mozzarella.
13. Bake until golden for another 20-25 min.

Serve with your favorite salad 😄

What is your favorite quiche?