Welcome to the realm of delectable savories, where flavors dance and textures intertwine to create a symphony of culinary delights. Today, we embark on a journey through two extraordinary recipes inspired by the legendary Julia Child: Spinach Quiche and Spinach Gratin. Imagine a golden-brown crust encasing a velvety filling of tender spinach, creamy custard, and a hint of aromatic cheese. The Spinach Quiche, a classic French dish, promises a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion.
On the other hand, the Spinach Gratin presents a luscious tapestry of flavors, where spinach, cheese, and bread crumbs unite in a rich and comforting casserole. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a hearty main course or a delectable side, leaving your taste buds craving for more. Both recipes showcase the versatility of spinach, a leafy green packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making them not only delicious but also a healthy addition to your culinary repertoire. Join us as we unveil the secrets behind these culinary gems, ensuring your next meal is a memorable one.
SPINACH QUICHE OR GRATIN - ADAPTED FROM JULIA CHILD
I usually simplify Julia's recipes and omit some of the details, including using less fat, and they come out fabulous! For the quiche, use a pastry shell crust. For the gratin, omit the pastry crust.
Provided by coconutty
Categories Savory Pies
Time 55m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- To partly bake the pastry shell: Bake in middle of oven at 400 degrees F. for 8-9 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place oven rack in upper third of oven.
- Saute onions briefly in butter; set aside.
- Beat together salt, eggs, nutmeg and pepper. Gradually stir in spinach mixture. Check seasoning.
- Pour into pastry shell. Sprinkle cheese on top. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until puffed and browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 353.5, Fat 22.9, SaturatedFat 7.9, Cholesterol 177.7, Sodium 625.7, Carbohydrate 24.5, Fiber 1, Sugar 0.6, Protein 12.4
JULIA CHILD'S SPINACH QUICHE
Steps:
- Combine: flour, salt, sugar, butter, and vegetable shortening into a large bowl. Using the tips of your fingers, combine the the ingredients. The result should look like breadcrumbs.
- Blend: Slowly add the ice water to the mixture and form a dough ball. Divide the dough into two and shape it into a flattened circle. Wrap in cling wrap and place in the refrigerator to rest for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 3 days.
- Rolling: Place dough on a lightly floured surface and begin to roll it into a circle about 1/8 thick and two inches larger than your tart or pie pan. You will want to work quickly to keep the butter as cold as possible. Using your rolling pin, lift and place the dough into your tart or pie pan. Press the dough into place and then run your rolling pin over the top and remove excess dough. Using your thumbs, push the dough 1/8 of an inch above the edge of the pan. Take a dull knife and made a decorative edge. Then take a fork and prick the pastry all over, including the sides, at 1/2 inch intervals. Refrigerate if not baking right away.
- Partial Blind Bake: Preheat oven to 400f. Line the pastry with tin foil or parchment paper. Cover the edges of the pastry if possible. Fill the pastry with weights (dried beans, lentils, rice, or pastry weights). The goal here is to weigh down the pastry, so it does not rise. Bake for 8 - 9 minutes. Remove pastry from the oven and remove the weights. Make additional pricks into the dough with your fork and bake for 2 - 3 minutes more. When the shell starts to turn golden or shrink from the sides of the baking dish, remove it from the oven.
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 375f. Whisk together eggs, cream, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside.
- Spinach: If you are using fresh spinach - Start a pot of boiling water. While your waiting, clean the spinach to ensure all dirt is removed and de-stem the spinach leaves. A handful at a time, place the spinach in the boiling water and cook for two minutes. Remove the spinach and run under cold water. Then, squeeze as much water out of the spinach as possible and cut the spinach into small pieces. Repeat until you have 1 1/4 cups of spinach. If you are using frozen spinach - Defrost the spinach just enough so that you can slice it by bearing it down with your knife. Melt an additional 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan or skillet. Stir in the spinach, cover, and cook for 1 - 2 minutes. Remove the cover and cook until all the water has evaporated, about 3 minutes.
- Shallots: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Add diced shallots and cook until done, about 1 - 2 minutes.
- Combine and bake: Combine all the ingredients away from heat (shallots, spinach, and egg mixture). Pour into the pastry shell sprinkle the top with swiss cheese and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Bake at 375 for 25 - 30 minutes. You will know the quiche is done when you can insert a knife and it comes out clean.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 484 kcal, Carbohydrate 37 g, Protein 12 g, Fat 50 g, SaturatedFat 30 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 242 mg, Sodium 895 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g, UnsaturatedFat 16 g, ServingSize 1 serving
QUICHE AUX EPINARDS (SPINACH QUICHE)
This is Julia Child's recipe for Spinach Quiche. But of course, I couldn't leave well enough alone . . . just had to add bacon. Ham could also be substituted. Also added a little more cheese. Note: The partially cooked shell may be baked hours ahead of time and the filling prepared and refrigerated in the mixing bowl. Can even be made into tiny quiches for hot hors d'oeuvers.
Provided by Galley Wench
Categories Savory Pies
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake pastry shell for 9-10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.
- Cook the shallots or onions for a moment in the butter.
- Add the spinach and stir over moderate heat for several minutes to evaporate all its water.
- Stir in salt, pepper and nutmeg and taste carefully for seasonings and set aside.
- Beat the eggs, cream and seasonings in a mixing bowl.
- Gradually stir in spinach mixture.
- Pour into partially baked pastry shell.
- Sprinkle with cheese and dot the top with butter.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes.
- The quiche is done when a knife plunged into the center comes out clean. Serve immediately.
- Note: If adding bacon, press pieces into bottom of the pastry shell before filling.
SWISS CHEESE QUICHE (JULIA CHILD)
Posted here for safekeeping. You can also use all milk instead of cream and omit the butter pieces on top. NOTE: As suggested by one reviewer (Dec. 13, 2010), I am revising the recipe to correct a typo. (Sorry for the inconvenience!)
Provided by coconutty
Categories Savory Pies
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- To partly bake the pastry shell:.
- Bake in middle of oven at 400 degrees F. for 8-9 minutes.
- For filling:.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place oven rack in upper third of oven.
- Beat eggs.
- Add enough cream (or milk or cream-milk combination) so that eggs and cream measure 1 1/2 cups total.
- Add salt, nutmeg and pepper; mix through.
- Stir in cheese. Check seasoning.
- Pour into pastry shell and distribute butter pieces on top. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or til puffed and browned.
- Slide quiche onto a hot platter and serve.
MUSHROOM QUICHE OR GRATIN - ADAPTED FROM JULIA CHILD
I adore Julia's recipes but tend to simplify them by omitting some of the details and using less butter. I also use milk instead of cream and find it rich enough for my taste. When I make this dish, I usually omit the crust (the "gratin" version).
Provided by coconutty
Categories Savory Pies
Time 55m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- To partly bake the pastry shell: Bake in middle of oven at 400 degrees F. for 8-9 minutes.
- To make the mushroom filling:.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place oven rack in upper third of oven.
- Saute mushrooms in butter until they exude their juices, the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are starting to brown slightly.
- Mix together mushrooms, onion, salt and lemon juice; set aside.
- Beat together eggs, milk, nutmeg and pepper. Gradually stir in mushroom mixture. Check seasoning.
- Pour into pastry shell. Sprinkle cheese on top. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until puffed and browned.
ONION QUICHE OR GRATIN (ADAPTED FROM JULIA CHILD)
I usually simplify Julia's recipes and omit some of the details, including using less fat, and they come out fabulous! I don't remember if I ever made this, but am posting it for safekeeping. For the quiche, use a pastry shell crust. For the gratin, omit the pastry crust. The cook time does not include time for baking the pastry shell.
Provided by coconutty
Categories Savory Pies
Time 1h55m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Place oven rack in upper third of oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook onions in butter over very low heat til tender and golden, stirring occasionally (about 1 hour). Remove from heat and let cool somewhat.
- Add flour; cook over low heat for 2 or 3 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine eggs, milk or cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Beat til well blended.
- Gradually add onions and half cheese. Check seasoning.
- Pour into pastry shell or baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until puffed and browned.
- NOTE: To partly bake the pastry shell: Bake in middle of oven at 400 degrees F. for 8-9 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 555.3, Fat 33.4, SaturatedFat 14.9, Cholesterol 154.4, Sodium 969.3, Carbohydrate 52.4, Fiber 4.7, Sugar 12.4, Protein 13.7
Tips:
- Choose tender, young spinach leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Wilting the spinach helps to remove excess moisture, which prevents the quiche from becoming watery.
- Pressing the spinach firmly between two plates helps to remove even more moisture.
- Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Julia Child suggests using a combination of Gruyère, Swiss, and Parmesan.
- Use fresh herbs, such as thyme and parsley, to add additional flavor and color.
- Blind-baking the pie crust helps to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Pour the quiche filling into the pie crust slowly and carefully, to avoid disturbing the eggs.
- Bake the quiche in a preheated oven to ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Let the quiche cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving, to allow the flavors to meld.
Conclusion:
Julia Child's spinach quiche is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, delicious, and can be served hot or cold. With its combination of tender spinach, creamy custard, and flavorful cheese, this quiche is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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