Introduction to Trout and Spinach Quiche
Quiche, a traditional French dish, has gained popularity worldwide for its rich flavors and versatility. This savory pie can be tailored to suit various tastes and can function as an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Among the many combinations of ingredients, trout, and spinach come together beautifully, creating a unique quiche that not only satisfies the palate but also offers numerous health benefits.
In this delicious recipe, fresh trout brings a delicate, flaky texture and a mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with the earthy taste of spinach. Together, they create a harmonious blend that elevates the overall experience of the dish. The addition of a creamy filling gives the quiche its signature custard-like consistency, making each bite delectable.
One of the primary health benefits of this dish lies in the nutritional value of both trout and spinach. Trout is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins such as B12 and D. These nutrients support heart health, and brain function, and contribute to overall well-being. On the other hand, spinach is renowned for its rich content of iron, calcium, and antioxidants, which are crucial for maintaining good health. This leafy green not only boosts the nutritional profile of the quiche but also aids in promoting digestive health and reducing inflammation.
Given its versatility, trout, and spinach quiche can be enjoyed at any time of the day. You can serve it warm or cold, making it a convenient option for meal prep as well. It is also easy to customize, as you can add various ingredients such as cheeses, herbs, or spices to cater to individual preferences. This quiche serves as an excellent example of how delightful flavors and health benefits can combine to create a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Ingredients Needed for the Quiche
Creating a delicious trout and spinach quiche requires a selection of quality ingredients. This recipe is divided into three main categories: the crust, filling, and seasonings. Below is a detailed list of each component needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and texture.
Main Components
For the filling: Gather 8 ounces of fresh trout fillets, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. For the greens, use approximately 2 cups of fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and roughly chopped. Additionally, 3 large eggs are required to provide structure, complemented by 1 cup of heavy cream or a non-dairy substitute like coconut cream for those with dietary restrictions. Finally, a cup of shredded cheese, such as Swiss or Gruyère, will enhance flavor.
Seasonings
To season the quiche: Incorporate salt and pepper according to taste, typically around ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Fresh herbs such as dill or chives can elevate the dish; using approximately 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs is advisable. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Quiche
Squeeze the spinach by hand to remove its natural water, then chop.
Cut the trout into small pieces.
In a bowl, mix the whipping cream with the eggs, grated cheese, salt, and black pepper to obtain a homogeneous quiche mixture.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry until it becomes thin. Pierce the dough with a pastry punch or a fork.
Fill the floured quiche molds with the puff pastry and place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Stuff the quiche with spinach and smoked trout pieces, and pour a little quiche mixture over the filling until it is covered.
Bake the quiche in the oven preheated to 190 degrees for 30 minutes (place the quiche on the first level of the oven – the bottom)
Serve the trout and spinach quiche warm.
For your information: To Preserve the beautiful color of the spinach, I advise you to soak it in boiling salted water for a minute. Drain and place in ice water. Drain and leave to dry before using.
My tips for making a successful puff pastry recipe
Puff pastry is used to prepare various savory recipes (flakes, tart heart …) or sweet (Chausson, royal cake, mille-feuille, fruit tart …) and is also ideal for making pies.
To prepare successful puff pastry recipes:
1- It is recommended to work on a cold work table (preferably marble or granite) or use a food-grade plastic table and wash it from time to time with ice water to cool it down. All these precautions are to avoid the dough becoming hot or soft.
2- Add a pinch of salt to the flour to enhance the flavor of the dough.
3- Add two tablespoons of vinegar to the dough to facilitate the puffing process and give it more crunch.
4- The fatty substance used affects the taste and flavor of the dough. Using butter gives a great taste and result.
5- Keep the dough in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. The cold keeps the dough sheets separate.
6- Roll out the dough until 3 mm thick for good puffing.
7- When preparing the season, pinch the edges of the dough well with your fingers until they stick together to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking. Place the stuffed season in the freezer before cooking.
8- Cook the puff pastry in the oven preheated to 180 degrees.
9- Monitor the puff pastry while cooking and if the surface turns red before it is done, cover it with aluminum foil and continue cooking.
10- To prepare delicious sticks with cheese from the leftover puff pastry: Fold and stretch the leftover dough without forming it into balls, then cut it into sticks, sprinkle grated cheese on top, and cook.