Spinach and Pine Nut Quiche

French / By / / 4 minutes of reading
Prep: 15 mins Cook: 45 mins Difficulty: Medium Serves: 6

Why I Love French Spinach and Pine Nut Quiche

There is something ineffably comforting about the Spinach and Pine Nut Quiche, a delightful French recipe that brings together the warm earthiness of spinach and the gentle crunch of pine nuts in an elegant dance of flavors. I’ve always found inspiration in the unexpected, an echo perhaps of my culinary roots from the wild landscapes of Montana where the cuisine is a blend of rancher’s favorites and Native American traditions.

A Nod to the French Cuisine

The Spinach and Pine Nut Quiche, with its rich creamy filling studded with vibrant spinach and toasted pine nuts, is a classic example of French cuisine, known for its complex flavors and attention to detail. Its origins are traced back to Lorraine, where Quiche Lorraine is still a beloved dish. Despite the fact that I didn’t grow up in France, I must say I have developed a special fondness for French cuisine and its dedication to quality ingredients. Somehow, it reminds me of the dedication I put into my dishes, like venison steaks or huckleberry pies.

Unexpected Inspiration

Now, you may be wondering why a chef from Montana, known for his bison burgers is creating a French dish, like the Spinach and Pine Nut Quiche. The answer is simple; cooking is a beautiful expression of creativity; it’s a journey that often leads us to unexpected places. The recipe for this quiche was inspired by none other than Julia Child, the legendary chef known for her profound influence on American cooking and her passion for French cuisine. It was her philosophy of cooking with love and respect for ingredients that aligned deeply with my own culinary ethos.

Spinach and Pine Nut Quiche

The Perfect Pairings

This Spinach and Pine Nut Quiche hums a delightful gourmet tune that can be paired with a number of dishes to create a sumptuous meal. A splendid side salad made with fresh, crisp greens provides a lovely contrast to the savory creaminess of the quiche, or a hearty bowl of French onion soup for those cooler evenings. At times, I’ve served it alongside a simple, rustic loaf of bread, letting the sophistication of the quiche shine.

In the end, what appeals most to me about this Spinach and Pine Nut Quiche is its sublime simplicity married with the luxuriousness of its texture and flavors. It’s a delightful dish that serves as a testament to my enduring love of cooking, of exploring new flavors, and breaking culinary boundaries, be they geographical or traditional.

What You’ll Need

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup pine nuts
  • 1 ready-made pie crust
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
ALLERGENS: Pine nuts, eggs, milk, wheat

Method

Step One

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place the ready-made pie crust into a 9-inch quiche dish or pie plate.

Step Two

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step Three

In a dry pan, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once toasted, set aside to cool.

Step Four

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the cheeses until well combined.

Step Five

Spread the cooked spinach mixture evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Sprinkle over the toasted pine nuts. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the spinach and pine nuts.

Step Six

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the quiche is set and slightly golden on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Spinach and Pine Nut Quiche!

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