| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 20g | 4g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 7g | 12g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Swiss Vegan Gruyère and Caramelized Onion Quiche
The inspiration for my Vegan Gruyère and Caramelized Onion Quiche comes from my fond memories of growing up amongst the vibrant flavors of Montana cuisine, combined with my relentless curiosity to craft versatile dishes. Borrowing the rich, heartwarming essence of Swiss comfort food, this vegan take on the classic quiche is a glorious amalgamation of tradition and innovation.
A Love Letter to Tradition
Being raised in Montana, my culinary path was heavily influenced by the hearty meals of ranchers and Native American traditions. However, my penchant for novel flavours refuses to let me be bounded by the traditional, leading me to virtually globetrotting, discovering new cuisines, and interpreting them through my distinct approach. This Vegan Gruyère and Caramelized Onion Quiche is a testament to this endeavor of holistic innovation. With a nod to Swiss cuisine, this recipe is a vegan reimagining of the traditional Gruyère cheese, renowned for its distinctive, rich, creamy flavor. The Caramelized Onion adds depth and sweetness, providing a perfect balance to the savory Vegan Gruyère.
Inspiration Behind the Quiche
The genius behind this recipe was the celebrated plant-based chef Chloe Coscarelli, her holistic approach to vegan cooking offering a wealth of inspiration. Her recipes never fail to emphasize the versatility and immense flavor profile of plant-based ingredients, pushing me to experiment and create this delectable dish.
When it comes to pairing suggestions, this quiche is a standalone marvel but can also be a complimentary star. Its rich, hearty flavours work well with a crisp, green salad or a tangy, fruity compote, creating a gastronomic experience that is both comforting and indulgent. This recipe bears a striking similarity to the classic Tartiflette, another beloved Swiss dish that combines the goodness of potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions. However, the Vegan Gruyère and Caramelized Onion Quiche offers a plant-based alternative, allowing vegans and non-vegans alike to savor a beloved classic in a new light.
While this Vegan Gruyère and Caramelized Onion Quiche is a distinct step away from the Bison burgers and huckleberry pies of my upbringing, it has quickly become one of my favorites. Its unique blend of traditional and innovative cooking, a fusion of different culinary worlds, is a testament to the endless possibilities in the realm of food, an ode to the constant discovery that cooking presents to enthusiastic chefs like myself.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of whole grain flour
- 1/2 cup of almond flour
- 1/4 cup of cold vegan margarine
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons of cold water
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1.5 cups of raw cashews, soaked in water for 2 hours
- 1/3 cup of nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 3/4 cup of water
- 1.5 tablespoons of tapioca starch
- 1 teaspoon of agar agar powder
Method
Step One
Combine the whole grain flour, almond flour, vegan margarine and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Work the mixture with your fingers until it becomes crumbly. Pour in the cold water and knead until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Step Two
Next, move on to the filling. Sauté the thinly sliced onions in olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and sugar to the onions. Continue to cook until the onions turn brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step Three
In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, lemon juice, and water. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth.
Step Four
Transfer the blended mixture to a saucepan and add the tapioca starch and agar agar powder. Stir the mixture continuously over medium heat until it begins to thicken. Once thickened, remove from heat.
Step Five
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the dish, making sure it is evenly distributed.
Step Six
Spread the caramelized onions over the dough. Then, pour the cashew mixture over the onions. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly.
Step Seven
Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the crust is fully cooked. Allow it to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Vegan Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Quiche!
