| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 27g | 13g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 11g | 0.8g |
There’s something incredibly soothing about the simplicity and elegance of a vegetable quiche, particularly one as unique and flavor-packed as Ground Elder Quiche. Derived straight from the arms of Mother Nature, and bursting with nutrients, this recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create culinary magic. As a Southern belle, I’m no stranger to rich, decadent food – but this quiche offers a refreshing counterpoint – wholesome and light, but still incredibly flavorful.
The Magic of Ground Elder
Of all the ingredients, the standout star has to be the ground elder. It’s a plant that grows abundantly in the wild, yet often overlooked in cooking. Its bright, peppery flavor adds a unique touch to the quiche, complementing the creamy eggs and rich cheddar cheese perfectly. Beyond its culinary appeal, ground elder is known to have significant health benefits, such as aiding digestion, and functioning as a natural diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent.
A Taste Of Home
This recipe reminds me of the familiar comfort of a classic Southern tomato pie, with a twist. It has the same satisfying combination of fresh tomatoes, soft pastry, and cheese, but with an added depth from the onions and garlic. It’s the kind of dish that works for any meal of the day – breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
If you’re looking to create a full meal, this Ground Elder Quiche pairs beautifully with a simple, fresh spring mix salad, or a side of honey glazed carrots for a more hearty dinner. You could even serve it alongside some Southern-style roast beef sandwiches for a delightful picnic spread.
But however you choose to enjoy it, I know you’ll love this Ground Elder Quiche as much as I do. It’s a tribute to the power of nature’s bounty, the joy of home cooking, and the wonderful ways in which our culinary journeys can weave together the old, the new, the familiar, and the adventurous. So go ahead – roll out that shortcrust pastry, beat those eggs, and prepare for a taste sensation.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of Ground Elder Leaves
- Shortcrust pastry, enough for a 9 inch pie tin
- 1 cup of Cheddar Cheese
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 Tomatoes, sliced
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Roll out your shortcrust pastry and line your 9-inch pie tin. Put this in the fridge to chill.
Step Two
While the pastry is chilling, rinse your ground elder leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or bugs. Drain well and set aside.
Step Three
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the drained ground elder leaves to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they have wilted down.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the heavy cream. Mix in the salt and black pepper.
Step Five
Take the chilled pie tin out of the fridge. Sprinkle the base with the cooked onions, garlic, and ground elder mixture. Pour over the egg and cream mixture. Sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese and arrange the sliced tomatoes on top.
Step Six
Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, until the edges are golden and the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
