Zucchini quiche is a delightful savory pie that features tender zucchini as the star ingredient, combined with eggs, cheese, and a flaky pastry crust. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Here’s a simple description of zucchini quiche:
Ingredients:
To create a zucchini quiche, you’ll typically need the following key ingredients:
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini, sliced or diced, forms the vegetable base of the quiche.
Eggs: Whisked eggs serve as the binding agent and provide a creamy, custard-like texture.
Cheese: Grated cheese, such as Swiss, cheddar, or Gruyère, adds richness and depth of flavor.
Pastry Crust: A pre-made or homemade pie crust acts as the buttery, flaky foundation.
Milk or Cream: Milk or cream is used to create the creamy filling.
Onions and Garlic: Sautéed onions and garlic add aromatic depth and savory notes.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley provide flavor.
Preparation:
Making a zucchini quiche involves the following steps:
Prepare the Crust: The pastry crust is either rolled out and fitted into a pie dish or used from a pre-made, store-bought crust.
Sauté Zucchini: Zucchini is sautéed with onions and garlic until tender and slightly caramelized.
Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, eggs are whisked with milk or cream, then seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs. Grated cheese is added to the mixture.
Assemble: The sautéed zucchini mixture is spread evenly over the crust, followed by the egg and cheese mixture.
Bake: The quiche is baked in the oven until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
Flavor Profile:
Zucchini quiche offers a balanced flavor profile. The zucchini contributes a mild, slightly sweet and earthy taste, while the eggs create a creamy, custard-like texture with savory notes. The cheese adds richness and a subtle tang, and the onions and garlic provide aromatic depth. Seasonings and herbs enhance the overall flavor, resulting in a harmonious and savory combination.
Serving Suggestions:
Zucchini quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad, fresh fruit, or even a slice of crusty bread. Whether enjoyed hot or at room temperature, zucchini quiche is a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to showcase the bounty of summer zucchinis.
