Creamy Asparagus and Mortadella Quiche with Grana Padano

Asparagus and Mortadella Quiche Recipe

Category: Savory Pies
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the pastry

• Begin by preparing the pastry dough. In a food processor, combine sifted flour and cold butter cut into pieces. Blend until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 40 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the asparagus

• While the dough is chilling, prepare the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus under cold water and peel the stalks with a vegetable peeler.
• Tie the asparagus together with cooking string and cook them in a pot of salted cold water for about 15 minutes, using an asparagus cooker if available.
• Once cooked, cut 3-4 asparagus stalks in half lengthwise for decoration. Slice the remaining asparagus into thin rounds, keeping the tips aside for later decoration.

Step 3: Cook the shallots and asparagus

• Finely chop the shallot and sauté it slowly in a non-stick pan with olive oil until soft.
• Add the asparagus rounds to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the filling

• While the asparagus is cooking, dice the mortadella into small cubes.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta and milk until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and stir to combine.
• Add the diced mortadella to the ricotta mixture and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Assemble the quiche

• After the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle that fits a 24 cm (9.5-inch) ceramic tart pan.
• Grease the tart pan with butter and gently press the dough into the bottom and sides.
• Pour the ricotta and mortadella filling into the crust and smooth it out with a spatula.
• For decoration, place the asparagus halves (cut side up) on top, creating a diamond-shaped pattern. Scatter the reserved asparagus tips across the surface as a finishing touch.

Step 6: Bake the quiche

• Fold the edges of the pastry inward to form a neat border around the filling.
• Brush the asparagus with a little extra virgin olive oil to enhance their color and flavor.
• Bake the quiche in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

• Allow the quiche to cool slightly before serving. Slice and enjoy a savory, hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion!

This Asparagus and Mortadella Quiche is a perfect combination of creamy ricotta, savory mortadella, and tender asparagus, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. A delightful choice for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this quiche brings a fresh and rich flavor that everyone will love!