Ham & Collards Quiche
I love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my Southern roots, so I came up with this version. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collards, it's a meal in one.
I love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my Southern roots, so I came up with this version. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collards, it's a meal in one.
- Carbohydrate 3.4466974332265 g
- Cholesterol 846 mg
- Fat 21.0272952836021 g
- Fiber 0.334050622581417 g
- Protein 25.3983772035256 g
- Saturated Fat 6.36192448190422 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (157g)
- Sodium 280.86056517095 mg
- Sugar 3.11264681064508 g
- Trans Fat 3.37041611646606 g
- Calories 304 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Unroll pastry sheet into a 9-in. pie plate; flute edge. Chill while preparing filling.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add collard greens and onion; cook and stir 5-7 minutes or until onion is tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in salt and pepper. Cool slightly; stir in cheese and ham.
- Spoon into pastry-lined pie plate.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and milk until blended. Pour over top.
- Bake on lower oven rack 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover edge loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes if needed to prevent overbrowning. Remove foil. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
- Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked quiche. To use, remove from freezer 30 minutes before baking (do not thaw). Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place quiche on a baking sheet. Bake as directed, increasing time to 50-60 minutes.
A Southern Twist on a Classic: Ham & Collards Quiche
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and nutritious meal can feel like a Herculean task. But I’ve always believed that good food shouldn’t be complicated, and that even the busiest schedules can accommodate a little bit of home-cooked goodness. This Ham & Collards Quiche is a perfect example – a satisfying, flavorful meal that comes together surprisingly quickly, thanks to a few smart shortcuts.
The idea for this quiche came to me one afternoon while I was browsing through old family recipes. I’ve always loved quiche, but I wanted to put my own Southern spin on it. I started thinking about the hearty greens and savory meats that are so central to Southern cooking, and the image of a quiche filled with collard greens and ham popped into my head. I knew it had to be tried. The result? A delightful combination of textures and flavors – the flaky crust, the creamy egg filling, the slightly bitter greens, and the salty ham—a truly satisfying culinary experience.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying brunch, or even a make-ahead meal for a potluck or gathering. The best part? You can easily adapt it to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add other vegetables like mushrooms or peppers, or even use a different type of meat. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Recipe: The Heart of Home Cooking
For me, cooking isn't just about nourishment; it's about connection. It's about sharing a meal with loved ones, creating memories around the kitchen table, and passing down family traditions. This quiche, in its simplicity and heartiness, represents that perfectly. It's a dish that nourishes the body and the soul, a testament to the power of home-cooked meals in a fast-paced world.
Tips and Tricks for Quiche Perfection:
- Don't overcook the collard greens: Overcooked collards can become mushy, so be sure to cook them until they're just tender-crisp.
- Use good quality cheese: The cheese is a key component of the flavor, so opt for a cheese you enjoy.
- Blind baking (optional): For a crispier crust, you can blind bake the pastry shell before adding the filling. Simply line the pastry shell with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-15 minutes before removing the weights and parchment paper and adding the filling.
- Make it ahead: This quiche can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just increase the baking time slightly when reheating.
- Freeze for later: Freeze the unbaked quiche for a future meal. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Beyond the Kitchen: Embracing the Everyday
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of the simple pleasures, like a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones. This quiche recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the nourishing power of food. It’s about finding joy in the everyday, making the most of our time, and creating delicious memories along the way. So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, give this recipe a try and let the comforting flavors of home transport you to a place of warmth and relaxation.
This Ham & Collards Quiche isn't just a meal; it’s a little piece of Southern charm and a whole lot of love, all wrapped up in one delicious package.
