🥦🥚🥓 Asparagus Ham Quiche: A Delicious Savory Delight 🥦🥚🥓
Asparagus Ham Quiche is a mouthwatering and versatile dish that combines the earthy flavors of asparagus with the rich and savory goodness of ham, all encased in a buttery pie crust. Here’s a detailed response with all the components, history, and steps to prepare this delightful dish:
📜 History:
Quiche itself has a rich history dating back to medieval Germany, but it was popularized and refined in France. Quiche Lorraine, a classic French dish, traditionally includes eggs, cream, and bacon or lardons. The combination of ingredients found its way into many variations, and the addition of asparagus and ham is a delightful twist.
🍽️ Components:
- Pie Crust: You can use a pre-made pie crust or make your own from scratch. Shortcrust pastry works best.
- Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears provide a vibrant and slightly nutty flavor.
- Ham: Diced or sliced ham adds a savory and salty element.
- Eggs: Whisked eggs are the binding agent that holds everything together.
- Cream or Milk: Heavy cream or milk adds a creamy and smooth texture.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese, like Gruyère or Swiss, gives a rich and cheesy flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes nutmeg for a hint of warmth.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Prep Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a quiche dish. Trim any excess. Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for a couple of minutes and then plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process. Dice the ham.
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Assemble the Quiche: Spread the diced ham evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Arrange the blanched asparagus on top.
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Whisk Eggs and Cream: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and combine with the cream or milk. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
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Pour and Top: Pour the egg and cream mixture over the ham and asparagus. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.
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Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
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Rest and Serve: Allow the quiche to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This will make it easier to slice. Serve warm or at room temperature.
⏰ Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Asparagus Ham Quiche can vary, but on average, it takes approximately 15-20 minutes to prep the ingredients and 30-35 minutes to bake. So, you can enjoy this delicious dish in about 50-55 minutes from start to finish.
Now, you’re all set to prepare this delightful dish and enjoy a slice of history on your plate! 🍽️😋👨🍳
🥦🥚🥓 Asparagus Ham Quiche: Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🥦🥚🥓
Asparagus Ham Quiche can be a delightful and nutritious dish when enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of its nutrition facts and some health information:
📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: A typical slice of asparagus ham quiche contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.
- Protein: It provides a good amount of protein, usually around 15-20 grams per serving, thanks to the eggs and ham.
- Carbohydrates: The crust and a small number of carbs in the ingredients contribute to about 20-30 grams of carbohydrates.
- Fats: The dish is moderately high in fats, with 15-20 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the cheese, ham, and cream.
- Fiber: There’s not much fiber in this dish, but the asparagus does provide a small amount, roughly 2-3 grams per serving.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Asparagus is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate. Eggs provide essential nutrients like vitamin B12, choline, and selenium.
🌱 Health Information:
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Asparagus Benefits: Asparagus is low in calories and high in fiber, which can aid in digestion. It’s also a good source of antioxidants, folate, and vitamins, contributing to a healthy diet.
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Protein: The ham and eggs in the quiche offer a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
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Moderation: While this quiche can be a flavorful and satisfying meal, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its relatively high calorie and fat content. Consider it as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
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Balanced Diet: As with any meal, it’s best to balance your diet with a variety of foods to ensure you get a broad spectrum of nutrients.
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Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using a whole-grain pie crust, low-fat cheese, and less cream or milk.
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Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes, as overeating can lead to excessive calorie intake.
Remember that individual nutritional needs can vary, so it’s a good practice to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns or health goals. 🥗🥛🏋️♂️
