Savory Quiche with Escarole and Ham Cubes
This delightful savory quiche with escarole and ham cubes is a perfect choice for a hearty meal, whether it’s served for lunch, dinner, or as a delicious snack at your next gathering. The creamy filling, combined with the freshness of escarole and the richness of ham and provolone, creates a satisfying dish that everyone will love. This recipe makes enough for 8 servings, ideal for a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry (Pasta Sfoglia) | 230g |
| Escarole (Indivia) | 200g |
| Ham (Prosciutto cotto) | 100g |
| Provolone Cheese | 150g |
| Leek (Porri) | 1 |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Whole Milk (Latte intero) | 300ml |
| Black Pepper (Pepe nero) | To taste |
| Salt (Sale fino) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | ~15g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Carbohydrates | ~18g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugars | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~400mg |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Escarole:
Begin by thoroughly washing the escarole under running water to remove any dirt. After washing, roughly chop the escarole into large pieces and set it aside to drain. -
Prepare the Leek:
Clean the leek by trimming off the roots and any tough green tops. Slice it thinly and set it aside for the next step. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled garlic clove and let it sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. Next, add the chopped leek and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the escarole and cook it down for 10 minutes, covering the pan with a lid to allow the escarole to wilt. -
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them well with a hand whisk until fully combined. Add the whole milk and the grated provolone cheese, stirring to incorporate all the ingredients. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. -
Combine Ham and Escarole:
Take half of the ham cubes and add them to the egg mixture, along with the sautéed escarole. Stir the ingredients together to evenly distribute the ham and escarole throughout the filling. -
Assemble the Quiche:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s large enough to fit into a 28 cm diameter tart pan. Carefully line the pan with the pastry, pressing it into the edges and allowing some of the pastry to hang over the sides. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared pastry shell, smoothing the top with a spatula. -
Top with Remaining Ham:
Scatter the remaining ham cubes on top of the quiche filling, ensuring an even distribution for every bite. -
Fold the Edges:
Gently fold the overhanging edges of the puff pastry inward, creating a rustic border around the filling. This will help keep the filling in place as it bakes. -
Bake the Quiche:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. You can check the quiche by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done. -
Cool and Serve:
Once the quiche is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This savory quiche can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions:
This savory quiche pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a brunch gathering, or even a picnic in the park. For a more indulgent meal, serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or a warm soup.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead Option: This quiche can be prepared the day before and baked just before serving. Simply store the assembled quiche (unbaked) in the fridge and bake it fresh the next day.
- Add Your Favorite Veggies: If you want to experiment, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the quiche filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a Crispy Crust: If you prefer an extra crispy crust, you can blind-bake the pastry for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Enjoy the comforting, savory flavors of this escarole and ham quiche, a perfect dish for any occasion. Its crispy, golden pastry and creamy, flavorful filling will surely become a favorite in your household.
