Blissful Mediterranean Quiche: A Taste of Sunny Tuscany for Your Table

As the vibrant hues of Summer gently fade and the crisp embrace of Fall begins to settle over Paris, we find ourselves savoring the last precious moments of our favorite seasonal delights. Among them, this exquisite Mediterranean Quiche holds a special place, a culinary farewell to the sun-drenched days. Each savory bite transports us back to cherished memories of leisurely strolls through bustling, sun-drenched outdoor markets in Tuscany, where the air is filled with the aroma of fresh produce and the warmth of family. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experience that same blissful feeling, no matter where you are.

This Mediterranean Quiche recipe is an ode to the vibrant, fresh flavors that define the region. To create this delightful dish, you’ll need a handful of simple yet potent ingredients. We start with a beautiful red onion, adding a subtle sweetness and depth, complemented by a crisp red bell pepper for color and a touch of fruitiness. A single clove of garlic infuses the base with its unmistakable aroma, while a large, juicy tomato brings a burst of fresh acidity. A medium zucchini adds tenderness and a healthy touch, and a sprinkle of seven fresh mint leaves introduces an unexpected, refreshing twist that truly elevates the dish.

For the foundation, we rely on one premade roll of pastry dough – choosing organic ensures the best quality and flavor, making your quiche even more wholesome. The creamy filling is a simple blend of three eggs, a generous splash of cream, and your favorite cheese. We typically opt for Swiss Emmental, known for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties, but a sharp cheddar would also create a wonderfully rich and tangy profile. The secret weapon in our spice cabinet is Ras-el-Hanout, a North African spice blend that translates to “head of the shop” – signifying the best spices a merchant has to offer. Its complex, aromatic notes of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and sometimes even rose petals, lend an incredible depth of flavor. If Ras-el-Hanout isn’t readily available in your local market, a teaspoon of good quality curry powder makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar warm and fragrant spice combination. To further explore the world of flavors and elevate your home cooking, we invite you to download our free printable spice guide.

Why Our Mediterranean Quiche Will Become Your New Favorite

This Mediterranean quiche is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed to bring joy and ease to your kitchen. You’ll know this delightful quiche is in your near future if:

You crave easy and delicious meals: We understand the demands of a busy life. This recipe is straightforward, uses readily available ingredients, and comes together with minimal fuss, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend brunches.
You love meal planning for healthy dinners: Finding recipes that fit seamlessly into a balanced meal plan can be a challenge. This Mediterranean quiche is a fantastic solution. It’s packed with vegetables, provides satisfying protein, and can be prepared ahead of time, making your healthy dinner planning a breeze. Leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so!
You enjoy experimenting with spices: For those who love to explore new flavor profiles, our use of Ras-el-Hanout (or curry powder as an alternative) offers an exciting twist on traditional quiche. It’s an opportunity to introduce warm, complex, and exotic notes to a familiar dish, transforming it into something truly special.
You’re looking for a healthy meal with a European twist: The Mediterranean diet is celebrated worldwide for its incredible health benefits and delicious simplicity. This quiche embodies those principles, offering a meal that’s both nourishing and bursting with the vibrant, sun-kissed flavors of Southern Europe. It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your everyday table.

While your quiche bakes to golden perfection, why not prepare a refreshing, healthy dessert? These sugar-free matcha chocolate popsicles are the perfect cool treat to enjoy later!

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Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

We truly hope you love this blissful Mediterranean quiche as much as we do! The rich, savory filling with its hint of fresh mint and aromatic spices, encased in a flaky pastry crust, is simply divine. Can’t you just imagine yourself enjoying a warm slice, perhaps with a chilled glass of crisp rosé in hand, as the evening sun dips below the horizon? We certainly can! For a light and refreshing meal, serve this quiche alongside a vibrant green salad. Our absolute favorite pairing is a simple arugula salad, dressed lightly with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The peppery bite of the arugula provides a beautiful contrast to the quiche’s richness.

Beyond arugula, this quiche also pairs wonderfully with a mixed greens salad featuring tender butter lettuce or crisp romaine, perhaps with a balsamic vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a light quinoa salad. This quiche is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a leisurely brunch, a light lunch, a casual weeknight dinner, or even as a delightful addition to a picnic spread. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it suitable for any occasion.

Explore More Delicious Quiche Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting charm of quiches, we have an array of other delightful recipes to keep your culinary adventures going! Each offers a unique twist on this classic French dish, perfect for any season or preference:

For a creamy and tangy delight, try our Goat Cheese and Zucchini Quiche. The tartness of goat cheese beautifully complements the mild sweetness of zucchini.
Embrace the flavors of autumn with our warming Pumpkin Goat Cheese Quiche. It’s a seasonal favorite that’s both hearty and elegant.
For a uniquely savory and slightly sweet option, our Sweet Potato and Leek Quiche is a must-try, offering a wonderfully creamy texture and earthy notes.
And for those who appreciate the classics, we’ve even rounded up our absolute favorite Traditional French Quiche Recipes, ensuring you have a timeless collection at your fingertips.

Whether you’re new to quiche making or a seasoned pro, these recipes are designed to inspire and delight, offering something for every palate and every occasion. Happy baking!

Blissful Mediterranean Quiche Recipe

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Author: Alix and Hugo
Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
Yield: For 4

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Learn to make this blissful Mediterranean quiche, bursting with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. It’s an easy and healthy recipe, perfect for any meal, bringing the sunny flavors of Tuscany right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

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Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to the authentic Mediterranean flavor of this quiche. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.

1 large red onion (thinly sliced for even cooking and gentle sweetness)
1 vibrant red bell pepper (cored, seeded, and thinly sliced to add color and a sweet crunch)
1 generous clove of garlic (finely diced or minced for maximum aromatic impact)
1 large, ripe tomato (diced, preferably a flavorful heirloom or vine-ripened variety for juicy sweetness)
1 tsp of Ras-el-Hanout (or 1 tsp of good quality curry powder for a similar warming spice profile)
1/4 tsp of hot pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick that awakens the flavors)
1 medium zucchini (sliced into thin rounds or half-moons for even distribution and tenderness)
7 fresh mint leaves (finely chopped, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich vegetables)
1 roll of premade pastry dough (we highly recommend organic for best flavor and texture)
3 large eggs (the base of our creamy, custardy filling)
1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option, for a rich and smooth consistency)
1/2 cup of Emmental cheese or your favorite cheese (cut into small cubes or grated – Swiss Emmental offers a nutty flavor, while sharp cheddar adds tang)
Olive oil (for sautéing the vegetables, use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste, enhancing all the natural flavors)

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Instructions

Begin by preparing your vegetables. Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
Add the thinly sliced red onion to the pan. Sprinkle with a good pinch of salt to help draw out moisture and soften the onions.
Sauté the onions for approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant. Do not let them brown too much at this stage.
Next, add the sliced red bell pepper and the minced garlic to the pan with the softened onions. Stir everything together well.
Continue to cook this mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring periodically. The bell pepper should soften, and the garlic should become aromatic, filling your kitchen with wonderful scents.
Now, introduce the diced tomato and the Ras-el-Hanout (or curry powder if using) to the vegetables. Stir gently to combine, allowing the spices to toast slightly in the hot pan.
Cook for another 5 minutes. The tomatoes will start to break down and release their juices, creating a flavorful base for your quiche filling.
While your vegetables are simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for baking your pastry.
Carefully unroll your premade pastry dough and use it to line an 11-inch tart or quiche mold. Gently press the dough into the contours of the mold, trimming any excess from the edges.
To prevent the pastry from puffing up excessively during pre-baking, line it with parchment paper and fill it with baking beans, dried rice, or pie weights. This technique is called “blind baking.”
Place the lined and weighted pastry crust into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the crust is partially cooked. This step helps ensure a crisp bottom crust.
Meanwhile, back on the stovetop, add the sliced zucchini and the freshly chopped mint leaves to the vegetable mixture in the pan. Stir them in and cook for just a few minutes until the zucchini is slightly tender-crisp. You don’t want it to become mushy.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the three eggs, the cup of cream, a good pinch of salt, and a generous grinding of black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. This will form the rich, custardy heart of your quiche.
Once the blind baking is complete, carefully remove the puff pastry from the oven. Gently lift out the parchment paper and baking beans/weights. The crust should be dry and firm.
Evenly pour the whisked egg and cream mixture into the partially baked quiche crust.
Next, spoon the flavorful vegetable mixture (onion, pepper, garlic, tomato, zucchini, and mint) over the egg mixture in the quiche mold, distributing it evenly.
Finally, scatter the cubes or grated Emmental (or cheddar) cheese generously over the top of the quiche. The cheese will melt beautifully, forming a delicious golden crust.
Return the quiche to the oven and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply golden brown, the filling is set (it shouldn’t jiggle much in the center), and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. You may need to cover the edges of the crust with foil if they start to brown too quickly.
Let the quiche cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set completely. Serve warm with a fresh green salad (our favorite is peppery arugula!) for a complete and utterly blissful meal. Enjoy your taste of the Mediterranean!

Notes

We used an 11-inch quiche mold for this recipe, which yields a generous quiche perfect for sharing. If using a smaller mold, adjust baking time slightly and be mindful of filling quantities. For best results, ensure your vegetables are cut uniformly to ensure even cooking.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Category: Easy and healthy dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean

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About A Hedgehog in the Kitchen

This post first appeared on The Melrose Family. We, Alix & Hugo Strickland Frénoy, are a passionate married couple, dedicated recipe developers, enthusiastic photographers, and lifelong explorers. We embarked on the journey of creating A Hedgehog in the Kitchen to share our immense passion for healthy, French, and international recipes. Our mission is to inspire you to create simple, delicious, and wholesome homemade food that brings joy to your table.

On our blog, you’ll discover a treasure trove of over 200 articles featuring everything from delightful farm-to-table recipes to helpful free meal plans and printables designed to enhance your skills as a home cook. Beyond the kitchen, we also share our favorite Parisian restaurant and hotel recommendations, along with captivating stories from our travel adventures across the globe. Our goal is to help you experience Paris and other destinations like a true local, finding hidden gems and authentic flavors wherever you go. Don’t miss out on our culinary and travel inspirations – sign up to receive two free recipes per week, along with exclusive food travel tips gathered from our extensive adventures.

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