I´m so excited to share my rye nettle spinach quiche recipe with you! This dish is a real winner, combining a crunchy rye crust with the fresh, vibrant flavors of nettles and spinach. It’s perfect for any mealtime—whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy breakfast, a fun brunch with friends, or a light dinner that everyone will love. I think you’re going to enjoy making and sharing this delicious quiche as much as I do. Let’s get cooking!
Quiche, originating from France, is a delightful and versatile dish that blends creamy eggs, cheese, and a variety of ingredients all nestled in a flaky crust, making it perfect for any meal of the day. It’s a favorite for brunches and gatherings, but it can sometimes be on the indulgent side. However, my rye nettle spinach quiche recipe offers a delicious twist by being equally tasty yet healthier. With rye instead of wheat flour and plenty of nutrients from nettle and spinach, it maintains that comforting flavor while providing a nutritious option that you can enjoy guilt-free!
How To Prepare This Rye Nettle Spinach Quiche?
1. Prepare the Flaky Rye Crust: In a large bowl, mix together the rye flour, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Continue by adding the egg and sour cream, mixing until the dough just comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C.
3. Roll Out and Prepare the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your quiche or tart pan. Carefully place the dough into the pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough. Poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
4. Prepare the Quark Spinach Filling: In a large bowl, mix the quark with the eggs and sour cream until smooth. If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan until wilted, then chop and add to the quark mixture. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained, then mix it in. Add garlic. Season the filling with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Quiche: Pour the quark and spinach mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake the Quiche: Bake the quiche at 180°C for about 35 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
7. Add the Topping: While the quiche is warm from the oven, mix the sour cream with dried nettle and salt, and spread evenly over the top. Return the quiche to the warm oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the topping to warm without baking further.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing. Serve at room temperature, and enjoy this delightful, nourishing dish!
Why Is Nettle so Good for You?
Nettle might look like a common weed, but it’s actually a fantastic plant full of health benefits! Here are just some of the health benefits of nettle:
- 1. Nutritional Powerhouse: Nettle is loaded with essential vitamins (A, C, K, and several B vitamins) and minerals like iron and calcium, supporting overall health.
- 2. Anti-Inflammatory: It may help reduce inflammation, offering relief for conditions like arthritis.
- 3. Allergy Relief: Nettle can act as a natural antihistamine, helping ease allergy symptoms when pollen counts rise.
- 4. Blood Sugar Regulation: It may help keep blood sugar levels stable, which is helpful for energy and overall health.
- 5. Urinary Health: Nettle has diuretic properties, aiding in flushing out toxins and supporting urinary health.
Having fresh nettle on hand can be tough. It’s only in season for a short time, and if you can’t forage it yourself, finding it at markets can be hit or miss. Plus, fresh nettle spoils quickly, making it hard to always keep on hand. That’s why dried nettle is such a great alternative! It retains many of the health benefits of fresh nettle and is easy to store in your pantry. You can use it anytime in teas, soups, or smoothies without worrying about spoilage. Dried nettle lets you enjoy its amazing benefits year-round, making it a convenient choice for boosting your health!
Why Is Spinach so Good for You?
Spinach is a superfood packed with numerous health benefits that make it a great addition to your diet: Some of its health benefits are:
- 1. Nutrient-Rich: Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, K, and numerous B vitamins, along with iron, calcium, and magnesium, crucial for overall health.
- 2. Eye Health: High in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, spinach helps protect your eyes and reduces the risk of age-related vision issues.
- 3. Heart Health: The dietary nitrates in spinach can help lower blood pressure and improve arterial health, benefiting your cardiovascular system.
- 4. Immunity Boost: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, spinach strengthens your immune system and helps fight infections.
- 5. Digestive Support: The fiber content aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.
- 6. Weight Management: Low in calories but high in nutrients, spinach makes for a satisfying addition to meals. Incorporating spinach into your diet is easy—enjoy it in salads, smoothies, soups, or as a cooked side dish to reap its incredible health benefits!
What Makes Rye Flour Superior To Wheat Flour?
Rye flour is often regarded as a healthier alternative to wheat flour for several reasons:
- 1. Higher Nutritional Value: Rye flour is rich in essential nutrients and contains more dietary fiber than wheat flour, promoting better digestion and aiding in weight management.
- 2. Lower Glycemic Index: Foods made with rye flour have a lower glycemic index, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for people with diabetes.
- 3. Higher Nutritional Value: Rye flour is rich in essential nutrients and contains more dietary fiber than wheat flour, promoting better digestion and aiding in weight management.
- 4. Increased Satiety: The higher fiber content in rye can help you feel fuller longer, aiding in appetite control and reducing calorie intake.
- 5. Digestive Support: Rye contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which contributes to a healthy digestive system. Incorporating rye flour into your diet can provide these health benefits while offering a unique flavor and texture to your meals!
Q&A
I don´t have dried nettle. Can I omit it?
Of course. Omitting dried nettle in this recipe will still result in a delicious quiche. If you don´t have dried nettle at home, or you simply don´t like it, feel free to leave it out.
Can I freeze Rye Nettle Spinach Quiche?
Yes, this quiche freezes beautifully. Just make sure your quiche has cooled down completely before packing it in an airtight container and freezing it for up to 3 months.
Can I use wheat flour instead of rye flour?
Of course, you can. If you don´t like rye flour or don´t have it at home right now, feel free to substitute it for wheat or spelt flour. Just keep in mind that these flours don´t absorb the liquids the same way. This means that you might want to omit or reduce the amount of sour cream in the recipe.
Looking for some other tasty and healthy brunch ideas? Make sure you check out my Wild Garlic Salmon Crepes.
Rye Nettle Spinach Quiche
Ingredients
The dough:
The spinach filling
The sour cream nettle topping
Instructions
-
1. Prepare the Flaky Rye Crust: In a large bowl, mix together the rye flour, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Continue by adding the egg and sour cream, mixing until the dough just comes together. 4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C.
3. Roll Out and Prepare the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your quiche or tart pan. Carefully place the dough into the pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough. Poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
4. Prepare the Quark Spinach Filling: In a large bowl, mix the quark with the eggs and sour cream until smooth. If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan until wilted, then chop and add to the quark mixture. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained, then mix it in. Add garlic. Season the filling with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Quiche: Pour the quark and spinach mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake the Quiche: Bake the quiche at 180°C for about 35 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
7. Add the Topping: While the quiche is warm from the oven, mix the sour cream with dried nettle and salt, and spread evenly over the top. Return the quiche to the warm oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the topping to warm without baking further.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing. Serve at room temperature, and enjoy this delightful, nourishing dish!
