Farmer’s Quiche: A Savory Delight with a Healthy Rice Crust
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and wholesome breakfast or brunch dish, this Farmer’s Quiche is the perfect choice. Featuring an unexpected yet delicious rice crust, it delivers a satisfying balance of flavors, with rich cheeses, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables. The rice crust adds a delightful texture without overwhelming the other ingredients, making this quiche a crowd-pleaser every time.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Recipe Category: Savory Pies
Serving Size: 8 servings
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long grain brown rice | 1 cup |
| Butter (divided) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Egg (for rice crust) | 1 |
| Unsalted butter (for filling) | 1/2 cup |
| Bacon (crumbled) | 3 slices |
| Eggs (for filling) | 3 |
| Buttermilk | 1/2 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Zucchini (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh sage (chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Gruyère cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Swiss cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 898.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 69.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 33.5 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 342 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1599.5 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 42 g |
| Fiber Content | 2.8 g |
| Sugar Content | 3.4 g |
| Protein Content | 27.5 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Rice:
- Start by placing the long grain brown rice in a saucepan along with 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 40 minutes. It’s important to avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process.
- Once the rice is tender, remove the pan from heat and allow it to sit, still covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will help the rice fluff up and finish cooking.
-
Make the Rice Crust:
- After the rice has cooled slightly, transfer 2 cups of the cooked rice to a mixing bowl. Add 1 egg and 1/4 cup of melted butter, and mix well to combine.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch glass pie pan and press the rice mixture evenly along the bottom and sides of the pan to form a crust. Make sure the rice is compact, but not too dense.
- Place the pie pan in the preheated oven and blind-bake the rice crust for 15 minutes. The rice should feel dry and not excessively sticky or tacky.
-
Prepare the Quiche Filling:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
-
Assemble the Quiche:
- Once the rice crust is pre-baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and spread it evenly over the bottom of the rice crust.
- Layer the chopped zucchini and peas on top of the bacon, ensuring the filling is distributed evenly.
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and bacon, making sure everything is well-coated.
- Sprinkle the grated gruyère and swiss cheeses over the top of the quiche. Add small dollops of unsalted butter on top for extra richness.
-
Bake the Quiche:
- Place the assembled quiche in the oven and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. The quiche is ready when the top is golden brown and domed, and a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it stand for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing much easier.
Tips for a Perfect Farmer’s Quiche:
- Rice Crust Variation: For a lighter crust, you can substitute some of the rice with finely ground oats or breadcrumbs. This adds a nice texture to the crust while still keeping it relatively healthy.
- Vegetable Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of zucchini, try using other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to sauté them beforehand to release excess moisture.
- Cheese Choices: Gruyère and swiss are classic cheese choices, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, goat cheese, or feta for a unique twist.
This Farmer’s Quiche is a wonderful dish that combines savory flavors and textures, perfect for a brunch or light dinner. With its wholesome rice crust, it offers a healthy alternative to traditional quiche crusts, making it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without the extra carbs. The combination of bacon, zucchini, and fresh herbs will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more!
Enjoy!
