Description: A light, protein-packed, and flavorful crustless quiche that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. This recipe utilizes the creamy texture of cottage cheese to create a satisfying and healthy dish, loaded with spinach and a touch of nutmeg for warmth.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups organic cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, your preference)
- 4 organic large eggs
- 1 cup organic sautéed spinach and chopped onion (approximately 5 oz fresh spinach and 1/4 cup chopped onion)
- A pinch of organic ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup organic shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the spinach and onion)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, or dill) for added flavor and garnish
- Optional: A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or baking dish. You can use cooking spray, butter, or olive oil. Dusting the greased dish with a bit of gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs can further prevent sticking, although this is optional.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. If using fresh spinach, you might need to add it in batches as it wilts down. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This prevents a watery quiche. Set the spinach and onion mixture aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Blend the Cottage Cheese and Eggs: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cottage cheese remaining. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform texture in the final quiche.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures: In a large bowl, gently fold the sautéed spinach and onion mixture into the blended cottage cheese mixture. If you are using fresh herbs, add them at this stage as well. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the mixture and result in a less airy quiche. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Step 5: Pour into Baking Dish and Top with Cheese: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure a consistent thickness throughout the quiche. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake the Quiche: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The quiche should be golden brown on top. To check for doneness, gently insert a knife into the center of the quiche. If it comes out mostly clean, the quiche is ready. If the center is still very liquid, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Step 7: Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the quiche to set further and makes it easier to slice and serve. Cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a winner for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish; you can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning.
The crustless nature of the quiche makes it a lighter and healthier option compared to traditional quiches. By eliminating the crust, you reduce the carbohydrate and fat content while still enjoying a rich and satisfying dish.
The combination of cottage cheese and eggs creates a protein-packed meal that will keep you feeling full and energized for hours. Spinach adds valuable vitamins and minerals, making this quiche a nutritional powerhouse.
The flavor is also a major draw. The creamy cottage cheese base, the savory spinach and onion, and the touch of nutmeg create a delightful harmony of tastes. The melted mozzarella cheese adds a gooey and cheesy finish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easily customizable! You can add other vegetables, cheeses, or herbs to create your own signature version.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with a side salad for a light and complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works perfectly.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs (chives, parsley, dill) as a garnish.
- Serve with a side of toasted whole-wheat bread or muffins.
- For brunch, offer alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mimosas.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven.
Tips:
- To prevent the quiche from sticking, grease the baking dish thoroughly.
- Squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach to avoid a watery quiche.
- Do not overbake the quiche, as this can make it dry and rubbery.
- Let the quiche cool slightly before serving to allow it to set properly.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cottage cheese.
- Experiment with different cheeses and vegetables to customize the recipe.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
(Note: These are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 220-250
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Sodium: 300-400mg
Conclusion:
The Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a versatile, healthy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and packed with protein and nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner, this quiche is sure to please. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and making this recipe your own!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. Frozen spinach tends to retain more water than fresh spinach, so this step is crucial to prevent a watery quiche. You will likely need about 10 ounces of frozen spinach to yield the equivalent of 5 ounces of fresh spinach.
Q2: I don’t like cottage cheese. Can I substitute it with something else?
A: While the cottage cheese provides a unique creamy texture and protein boost, you can substitute it. Good alternatives include ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt (strained to remove excess liquid), or even silken tofu (blended until smooth). Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the quiche will change slightly depending on the substitution you choose.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this quiche?
A: Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can add virtually any vegetables you like. Consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, asparagus, or broccoli. Just be sure to sauté any vegetables that require cooking before adding them to the mixture. This will ensure they are tender and flavorful in the final quiche.
Q4: How do I store leftover quiche?
A: To store leftover quiche, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I freeze this quiche?
A: Yes, you can freeze this quiche, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the quiche to cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. You can also freeze individual slices for easier portioning. The frozen quiche will keep for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the quiche in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
