This zucchini tomato quiche is a fresh and flavorful take on a classic dish. The bold flavors of zucchini and tomato meld together with a creamy egg mixture, creating a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The all-butter crust adds a rich buttery note to the dish, while the dried herbs de provence and fresh basil leaves lend a delightful aroma.
To prepare this recipe, you may need to ensure you have zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Zucchinis are often readily available, but if they're not in your pantry, most supermarkets carry them in the produce section. Similarly, cherry tomatoes can be found in the fresh produce section. Parmesan cheese is typically available in the dairy section of the supermarket. If you cannot find fresh Herbs de Provence, they can usually be found in the spice section.
Zucchini Tomato Quiche Ingredients
Pie dough: This will form the base of the quiche. You can make it yourself or buy a pre-made one from the store.
Olive oil: Used to cook the shallots and to add a nice flavor to the quiche.
Zucchini: One of the main ingredients of the quiche. It adds a delightful texture and flavor.
Eggs: They form the body of the quiche, giving it its characteristic texture.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the quiche.
Sour cream: Gives the quiche its tartness.
Cream: Adds richness to the quiche.
Herbs de Provence: A mixture of dried herbs typical of the Provence region in France. It adds a nice aroma to the dish.
Basil leaves: Adds a fresh flavor to the quiche.
Parsley: Used for garnish and to add some color to the quiche.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the quiche.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the quiche.
Cherry tomatoes: Adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the quiche.
One reader, Evyn Snow says:
This zucchini tomato quiche recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and creamy filling is simply divine. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the texture is spot on. It's a delightful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Making Zucchini Tomato Quiche
How to prepare the crust: Freeze the homemade pie crust for at least 30 minutes before using it.
How to drain zucchini: Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater, then set the grated zucchini in a mesh sieve set over a bowl to drain off excess moisture.
How to cook shallots: Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add the sliced shallots or spring onions and cook gently until softened and lightly browned.
How to make the filling: Beat the eggs in a large bowl, then whisk in the milk, cream, and sour cream. Whisk in the dried herbs de Provence, fresh sliced basil leaves, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the grated zucchini.
How to arrange cherry tomatoes: Cut cherry tomatoes and arrange them on top of the filling, pushing each one in about halfway.
How to bake the quiche: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes at 350 degrees F until set in the center. If the edges of the crust look like they might get too browned, tent them with foil or a pie protector.
How to cool the quiche: Let the quiche cool completely before serving.
How To Make Zucchini Tomato Quiche
Deliciously fresh and filling, this zucchini tomato quiche has a rich center made with sour cream and cheese, plus a crisp brown crust.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1all butter crust pie dough,rolled out and lining a 9- or 10-inch pie plate
For the Filling:
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1cupshallots or spring onions,sliced
- ½lbzucchini,about 1½ cups shredded
- 4large eggs,room temperature
- ½cupmilk
- ⅓cupsour cream
- ⅓cupcream
- 1tspdried herbs de Provence,or Italian herb blend
- 10basil leaves,sliced
- 1tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- ½tspblack pepper
- ½tspsalt
- 1cupparmesan cheese,(3 oz) packed, shredded
- 10cherry tomatoes,halved or quartered
Instructions
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Heat oven to 350 degrees F. If using a homemade pie crust*, freeze it for at least 30 minutes.
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Line the inside of the crust with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Fill the pie crust to the top with pie weights—either sugar, dry rice, or dry beans.
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Bake for 50 minutes. Remove from oven, remove foil and pie weights from the crust.
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Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Set the grated zucchini in a mesh sieve set over a bowl to drain off excess moisture.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add the sliced shallots or spring onions and toss to coat with the oil.
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Lower the heat to low and cook gently for several minutes, occasionally stirring. Once softened and lightly browned, remove from heat.
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Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Whisk in the milk, cream, and sour cream. Whisk in the dried herbs de Provence, the fresh sliced basil leaves, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the grated zucchini.
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Spread cooked shallots over the bottom of the pre-baked shell. Pour the zucchini filling mixture on top.
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Arrange cut cherry tomatoes on the top of the filling, pushing each one in about halfway.
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Bake for 45 to 55 minutes at 350 degrees F until set in the center. If the edges of the crust* look like they might get too browned, tent them with foil or a pie protector.
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Remove from oven when the center of the quiche has set and the top is lightly browned. Let it cool completely before serving.
Recipe Notes
- If using a store-bought crust, defrost it and skip the pre-baking, or partially-pre-bake it using the instructions for pre-baking on the package.
- If using a store-bought crust that is more shallow than a homemade crust, the quiche will cook more quickly.
Nutrition
- Calories: 327.50kcal
- Fat: 24.25g
- Saturated Fat: 9.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.21g
- Carbohydrates: 15.09g
- Fiber: 1.78g
- Sugar: 3.10g
- Protein: 12.85g
- Cholesterol: 125.73mg
- Sodium: 428.66mg
- Calcium: 290.86mg
- Potassium: 267.85mg
- Iron: 1.82mg
- Vitamin A: 164.01µg
- Vitamin C: 10.95mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Zucchini Tomato Quiche
To ensure your quiche has a firm and crispy crust, it's crucial to pre-bake or 'blind bake' the crust before adding the filling. This process involves baking the crust with pie weights to prevent it from puffing up, resulting in a well-structured and crispy crust that won't become soggy once the filling is added. Remember to let the crust cool before adding the filling to further prevent sogginess.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Quiche Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and grate the vegetables and herbs the night before and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use store-bought crust: To save time, consider using a store-bought pie crust instead of making one from scratch. It's a convenient and time-saving option.
Multitask: While the quiche is baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen or prepare a simple side salad to accompany the dish.
Invest in a good grater: Using a high-quality grater can make the process of grating zucchini quicker and more efficient.
Pre-bake the crust: Pre-baking the crust ahead of time can save time when assembling the quiche, as it ensures a crisp and flaky crust without risking a soggy bottom.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Tomato Quiche Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for zucchini in the quiche.
shallots - Substitute with red onions: Red onions can provide a similar sweet and mild flavor to shallots, enhancing the taste of the quiche filling.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can add a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to sour cream, while also boosting the protein content.
cream - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can provide richness and creaminess to the quiche filling, serving as a suitable substitute for cream.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese offers a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the quiche filling just like parmesan.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sundried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes can add a concentrated burst of sweet and tangy flavor, similar to cherry tomatoes, while also providing a chewy texture.
Presentation Tips for Serving Zucchini and Tomato Quiche
Elevate the crust: Create a delicate, flaky all-butter crust pie dough that melts in the mouth, adding a luxurious texture to the quiche.
Artfully arrange the cherry tomatoes: Slice the cherry tomatoes and arrange them in a visually appealing pattern on top of the quiche, adding a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves and finely chopped parsley over the quiche just before serving, adding a pop of vibrant green and a hint of aromatic freshness.
Present in individual servings: Serve the zucchini tomato quiche in individual ramekins or on small, elegant plates to create a sense of sophistication and individual attention to each portion.
Accent with a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful design on the plate with a drizzle of balsamic reduction, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity to complement the flavors of the quiche.
Accompany with a side salad: Serve the zucchini tomato quiche alongside a small, carefully composed side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the quiche.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the quiche on a beautiful, carefully chosen serving platter or dish, elevating the visual appeal and creating a sense of occasion for the diners.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Quiche
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a kitchen essential for combining ingredients and mixing them thoroughly.
- Skillet: A skillet is a frying pan with a flat bottom and low sides, perfect for sautéing and frying ingredients.
- Box grater: A box grater is a handheld kitchen tool with different grating surfaces, ideal for grating vegetables and cheese.
- Pie weights: Pie weights are used to prevent the crust from bubbling or shrinking while blind baking. They ensure the crust maintains its shape.
- Mesh sieve: A mesh sieve is a fine strainer used for sifting dry ingredients, draining liquids, or removing impurities from liquids.
- Pie protector: A pie protector is a handy tool that prevents the edges of the pie crust from over-browning during baking. It is placed around the crust to shield it from excessive heat.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Zucchini Tomato Quiche
- Let the quiche cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the quiche:
- Wrap the cooled quiche tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped quiche with the date and contents.
- Place the wrapped quiche in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 2 months.
- To reheat a refrigerated quiche, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche on a baking sheet and loosely cover with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- If reheating a frozen quiche, do not thaw it first. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), remove the foil and plastic wrap, and place the frozen quiche on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to crisp up the crust.
- Individual slices of quiche can be reheated in the microwave, but the crust may become soggy. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Quiche
To reheat leftover zucchini tomato quiche, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the quiche is heated through and the crust is crispy. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to ensure a crispy crust.
For a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Cut the leftover quiche into individual slices and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat each slice on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the quiche, as it may become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover quiche. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the quiche slices in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the quiche is heated through and the crust is crispy.
For a stovetop method, place a slice of quiche in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the quiche is heated through and the bottom is crispy. You can add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and enhance the flavor.
If you want to reheat a larger portion of the quiche, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the quiche on the wire rack. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the quiche is heated through and the crust is crispy.
Interesting Trivia About Zucchini Tomato Quiche
The zucchini tomato quiche recipe is a delicious way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into a savory dish. It's a great way to use up an abundance of zucchinis and tomatoes from the garden. This quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. It's also a fantastic option for picnics and potlucks. The combination of zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs creates a flavorful and colorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.
Is Making Zucchini Tomato Quiche at Home Cost-Effective?
This zucchini tomato quiche recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Zucchini and tomatoes are affordable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The use of fresh herbs and parmesan cheese adds a touch of elegance without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly meal option. The versatility of this quiche also makes it a great choice for any meal of the day. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Quiche Recipe Healthy or Not?
The zucchini tomato quiche recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of nutrients from various ingredients. The recipe includes:
- Vegetables like zucchini, shallots, and tomatoes, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Eggs and dairy products, offering protein and calcium
- Herbs and spices that add flavor without excessive sodium or fat
However, there are a few aspects that could be adjusted to make the quiche even healthier:
- The crust is made with all-butter dough, which is high in saturated fat. Consider using a whole wheat crust or a crust made with a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to increase fiber content and reduce saturated fat.
- The filling contains a significant amount of dairy, including milk, sour cream, cream, and parmesan cheese. To reduce the overall fat and calorie content, you could use low-fat milk, light sour cream, and a reduced amount of cheese.
To further enhance the nutritional value of the quiche, you could:
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the filling, such as adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms
- Use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites to reduce the cholesterol content
- Incorporate more herbs and spices to boost flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat
- Serve the quiche with a side salad or roasted vegetables to add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal
Editor's Opinion on This Zucchini and Tomato Quiche
The zucchini tomato quiche recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs creates a fresh and vibrant filling, while the creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and sour cream provides a luscious and satisfying base. The addition of parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory note, complementing the sweetness of the tomatoes. The pre-baked crust provides a perfect, flaky foundation for this savory delight. Overall, this quiche is a perfect dish for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, and it's sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.
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Why trust this Zucchini Tomato Quiche Recipe:
This zucchini tomato quiche recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and savory cheese in a buttery crust. The use of fresh herbs and seasonings enhances the flavors, while the step-by-step instructions ensure a successful outcome. Trust the expertise of a seasoned chef and embrace the joy of creating a delicious quiche that will impress your family and friends.
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