Experience the delight of making your own quichelettes with a twist. This recipe for yogurt watercress quichelettes brings together the peppery crunch of watercress, creaminess of yogurt, and the buttery crumble of homemade dough. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner, these quichelettes are deliciously satisfying.
This recipe calls for watercress, an often overlooked leafy green. Found in most supermarkets, watercress is known for its unique, peppery flavor. When shopping, look for watercress with dark, glossy leaves and avoid any that look wilted or discolored. Another ingredient, plain yogurt, adds a subtle tang and creaminess to the quichelettes. Any plain yogurt will do, but Greek yogurt works exceptionally well for a richer texture.
Ingredients for Yogurt Watercress Quichelettes
All-purpose flour: The base for our quichlettes crust. It gives structure and a soft crumble.
White sugar: A small amount to balance the flavors in the crust.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavors of our quichelettes.
Margarine: Gives our crust a flaky, delicious texture.
Olive oil: Used to saute our watercress, garlic, and onions.
Watercress: Adds a peppery crunch to our quichelettes.
Garlic cloves: Gives a savory depth to our watercress mixture.
Green onion: Provides a mild, yet fresh onion flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to our filling.
Plain yogurt: Gives our filling a creamy, tangy flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a kick of spice to our quichelettes.
One reader, Fabien Palumbo says:
The yogurt watercress quichelettes recipe is a delightful twist on traditional quiche. The combination of watercress and yogurt creates a light and refreshing flavor, while the parmesan cheese adds a delicious richness. The cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. It's a perfect dish for a brunch or a light lunch. Highly recommended!
Cooking Techniques for Yogurt Watercress Quichelettes
How to prepare the quichelette dough: Mix together the flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in just enough water to hold it together. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ⅛-inch thick and use it to line the tartlet pans.
How to sauté the watercress and aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the watercress, garlic, and green onions, and cook and stir for 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside.
How to prepare the quichelette filling: After sautéing the watercress and aromatics, stir in the parmesan cheese, yogurt, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
How to assemble the quichelettes: Spoon the prepared filling into the chilled tart pans lined with dough.
How to bake the quichelettes: Place the assembled quichelettes in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the filling is firm.
How to serve: Serve the quichelettes warm and enjoy!
How To Make Yogurt Watercress Quichelettes
Start your day with a light and quick breakfast of yummy quichelettes! It’s loaded with tender watercress and creamy yogurt for a hearty and fast meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cupall-purpose flour
- 1tspwhite sugar
- 1pinchsalt
- ⅓cupmargarine
- 3tbspcold water,or as needed
- 1tbspolive oil
- 2buncheswatercress,stems removed
- 2garlic cloves,crushed
- ⅓cupgreen onion,chopped
- 1½cupsParmesan cheese,grated
- 5tbspplain yogurt
- 1tspcayenne pepper
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, salt and sugar.
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Cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
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Stir in just enough water to hold together.
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Roll out on a lightly floured surface to ⅛-inch thick.
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Use dough to line 4 tartlet pans.
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Prick with a fork, and refrigerate for the meantime.
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Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the watercress, garlic and onions.
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Cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
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Remove from the heat, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, yogurt and cayenne pepper.
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Spoon into the chilled tart pans.
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Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until filling is firm.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 495.16kcal
- Fat: 33.85g
- Saturated Fat: 12.92g
- Trans Fat: 2.78g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.39g
- Carbohydrates: 23.76g
- Fiber: 1.25g
- Sugar: 2.80g
- Protein: 24.50g
- Cholesterol: 40.41mg
- Sodium: 921.42mg
- Calcium: 757.25mg
- Potassium: 312.54mg
- Iron: 1.88mg
- Vitamin A: 214.13µg
- Vitamin C: 23.97mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Yogurt Watercress Quichelettes
When rolling out the dough, ensure it is evenly spread to about ⅛-inch thick. This will ensure that your quichelettes bake evenly and have a consistent texture. Also, when pricking the dough with a fork, this process is known as 'docking'. It helps to prevent the dough from puffing up as it bakes. For the filling, make sure to cook the watercress, garlic, and onions just until they're fragrant. Overcooking them can lead to a loss of flavor and nutrients. Lastly, when adding the yogurt, ensure it's well incorporated with the other ingredients to achieve a smooth and creamy filling.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the tartlet dough and filling a day in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-washed watercress: Opt for pre-washed watercress to skip the step of washing and drying the greens.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch of quichelettes and freeze the extras for quick and convenient meals later.
Ready-made crust: Utilize store-bought tartlet crusts to cut down on prep time.
One-pan cooking: Cook the watercress, garlic, and onions in the same pan to minimize clean-up and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Yogurt Watercress Quichelettes Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitution is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and structure to regular all-purpose flour.
margarine - Substitute with unsalted butter: Butter can be used as a substitute for margarine to add a rich, creamy flavor to the quichelettes.
plain yogurt - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and tangier flavor, which can enhance the creaminess and texture of the quichelettes.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan, making it a suitable substitute for adding depth of flavor to the quichelettes.
watercress - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can be used as a substitute for watercress to provide a mild, slightly peppery flavor and vibrant green color to the quichelettes.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a milder substitute for cayenne pepper, providing a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the quichelettes.
Presentation Tips for Serving Quichelettes
Elevate the tartlet pans: Place the filled tartlet pans on a sleek, modern serving platter to showcase the individual quichelettes.
Garnish with fresh watercress: Carefully place a small bunch of fresh watercress on top of each quichelette to add a pop of color and freshness.
Add a drizzle of yogurt: Using a squeeze bottle, create an elegant yogurt drizzle on the plate, adding a touch of creaminess and visual appeal.
Sprinkle with Parmesan: Lightly dust the quichelettes with a fine sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a sophisticated finishing touch.
Serve with a side salad: Accompany the quichelettes with a side salad of mixed greens, dressed with a light vinaigrette, to provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the quichelettes on individual fine china plates or sleek, modern serving dishes to elevate the dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools You'll Need
- Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for mixing ingredients, often made of stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
- Rolling pin: A cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough for pastries and other baked goods.
- Tartlet pans: Small, individual-sized pans with shallow, fluted edges used for baking tartlets or mini quiches.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to perform various food preparation tasks, such as chopping, blending, and pureeing.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food by surrounding it with dry heat.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Leftovers
Once the quichelettes have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture and prevent sogginess, place a layer of paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.
If you want to freeze the quichelettes for later consumption, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal. Then, place the wrapped quichelettes in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container or bag with the date of freezing.
Frozen quichelettes can be stored for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of quichelettes from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat the thawed quichelettes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quichelettes on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave on high power for 30-60 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave.
For optimal flavor and texture, it's best to consume the yogurt watercress quichelettes within a day or two of baking. However, with proper storage techniques, you can extend their shelf life and enjoy them at your convenience.
The Best Way to Reheat Quichelette Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover quichelettes on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the crust from burning while the filling heats through. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the quichelettes are heated through and the parmesan cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a quicker reheat, you can use your microwave. Place the quichelettes on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-60 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overheat and become rubbery. The yogurt filling may separate slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your quichelettes for a crispy crust. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the quichelettes in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy. The watercress and green onion will become slightly crispy and caramelized, adding a new dimension of flavor to the dish.
For a stovetop reheat, place the quichelettes in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is crispy. This method works well if you want to add a little extra olive oil or butter to the pan for added richness and flavor.
Interesting Trivia About Quichelettes
The recipe contains watercress, a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and calcium.
Budget-Friendly: Making Quichelettes at Home
This yogurt watercress quichelettes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, with items like flour, watercress, and yogurt being budget-friendly. The use of parmesan cheese and margarine may slightly increase the cost, but the overall expense for a household of 4 people would be approximately $12-$15. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and economical choice. I would rate this recipe a solid 8 for its balance of cost and taste.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The yogurt watercress quichelettes recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like watercress, garlic, and yogurt. Watercress is packed with vitamins and minerals, while garlic offers potential health benefits. The use of yogurt instead of cream reduces the overall fat content. However, the recipe also contains less healthy components, such as all-purpose flour and margarine, which are highly processed and may contribute to inflammation and other health issues. The high amount of parmesan cheese adds significant saturated fat and sodium to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free alternative like almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Replace margarine with olive oil or grass-fed butter to reduce trans fats and increase healthy fats
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese and incorporate more vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers, to boost the nutrient profile and lower the overall calorie and fat content
- Use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt to increase protein and decrease fat
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like thyme or smoked paprika, to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt or cheese
Our Editor's Opinion on Yogurt Watercress Quichelettes
The recipe for yogurt watercress quichelettes is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of watercress adds a fresh and peppery note, while the addition of parmesan cheese and yogurt creates a creamy and tangy filling. The quichelettes are perfectly portioned and make for an elegant appetizer or light meal. The crust is flaky and complements the savory filling beautifully. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to showcase the vibrant flavors of watercress and is sure to impress any guest.
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Why trust this Yogurt Watercress Quichelettes Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, featuring the freshness of watercress and the creaminess of yogurt. The combination of parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper adds a tantalizing kick, while the homemade crust provides a perfect base for the savory filling. With a harmonious blend of garlic and green onion, this dish promises a symphony of tastes. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your culinary experience.
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