Fresh Spinach and Tomato Cheesy Quiche
This delightful crustless quiche combines the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes, creating a light yet satisfying dish perfect for any meal. Inspired by Holly Clegg's approach to healthy cooking, this version elevates the recipe with fresh garlic and basil, enhancing its aromatic appeal. Whipped together with creamy cottage cheese and melty Monterey Jack, it offers a savory, cheesy goodness without the fuss of pastry. Great as a brunch centerpiece or a quick lunch, pair it with seasonal fruit for a refreshing balance. Though the original recipe suggests it serves six, be prepared to share this deliciously low-carb treat, as you'll want a second slice!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 (medium, chopped)
Garlic
1-2 (cloves, minced)
Dried Basil
1/2 (teaspoon (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped))
Cottage Cheese
12 (ounces (2% fat, container))
Egg
1 (large)
Egg Whites
2 (large)
Frozen Chopped Spinach
10 (ounces, thawed and drained very well)
Monterey Jack Cheese
1 (cup, shredded)
Roma Tomatoes
4 (sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a large skillet, coat with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
3
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
While the onion is cooking, combine the cottage cheese, egg, and egg whites in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5
Once the onions are ready, add the creamy mixture to the skillet and stir well to combine.
6
Fold in the thoroughly drained chopped spinach and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mixing until evenly distributed.
7
Spoon the mixture into a lightly oiled 9-inch pie plate, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
9
Remove the quiche from the oven and carefully arrange the sliced roma tomatoes in an overlapping decorative pattern on top.
10
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for a Fresh Spinach and Tomato Cheesy Quiche.
Is this quiche made with a crust?
No, this is a crustless quiche recipe, making it a great low-carb option.
What are the primary vegetables in this dish?
The main vegetables are fresh spinach, roma tomatoes, and onion.
How many eggs are required for the quiche?
The recipe uses one large whole egg and two large egg whites.
What type of cheese is used in this quiche?
The recipe calls for 2% fat cottage cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long does the quiche take to bake in total?
The total baking time is 45 minutes, divided into an initial 25-minute bake and a final 20-minute bake.
Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?
Yes, the cottage cheese should be combined with the egg and egg whites in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
Should the spinach be fresh or frozen?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and drained very well.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be chopped and sautéed in a skillet until softened and translucent.
When do I add the tomatoes to the quiche?
The sliced roma tomatoes are arranged on top of the quiche after it has baked for the first 25 minutes.
What size pie plate is needed?
A lightly oiled 9-inch pie plate is required for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can I use fresh herbs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil instead of 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is intended to serve approximately six people.
What is a good side dish to pair with this quiche?
It pairs well with seasonal fruit for a refreshing and balanced meal.
How do I know when the quiche is finished baking?
The quiche is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Does the recipe include garlic?
Yes, it includes 1 to 2 cloves of minced garlic for added flavor.
Who inspired this healthy cooking approach?
This version of the recipe is inspired by Holly Clegg's approach to healthy cooking.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using 4 sliced roma tomatoes.
Is it necessary to drain the spinach?
Yes, the spinach must be drained very well to prevent the quiche from becoming watery.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
While Monterey Jack is recommended for its melting quality, you could use a similar mild cheese if needed.
How do I arrange the tomatoes on top?
Arrange them in an overlapping decorative pattern for an appealing presentation.
What texture should the egg and cheese mixture have?
When blended, the mixture of cottage cheese, egg, and egg whites should be smooth and creamy.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the 9-inch pie plate should be lightly oiled or coated with nonstick cooking spray.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat.
Can this be served for lunch?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a quick lunch or a brunch centerpiece.
What is the fat content of the cottage cheese used?
The recipe specifies using 2% fat cottage cheese.
Is there any flour or pastry in this recipe?
No, this is a crustless quiche and contains no flour or pastry dough.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a light, healthy, and savory dish that is high in protein and low in carbs.