Spinach & Corn Quiche

Quiche is one of those exotic European dishes that are filling and healthy meal in itself. Mostly egg is used in its filling but here I am giving out the eggless version and it tastes as good as the original French Quiche :)

Quiche is an open pie, and you can give it a new look every time that you bake one, with the vegetables of your choice.

Ingredients

For the short crust pastry
1 cup plain flour (maida)
1/2 cup cold margarine or butter
a large pinch of salt

For the stuffing
2 cups blanched and chopped spinach (palak)

½ cup corn
1 cup crumbled paneer (cottage cheese)
1/2 tsp chopped green chillies
2 tbsp cornflour
3/4 cup milk
2 tbsp cream
1/4 cup grated vegetarian cheese
1/2 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp red chilli flakes
2 tbsp butter
salt & pepper to taste

Method

For the short crust pastry
Sieve the flour and salt together.

Cut the margarine with a knife. Rub into the flour with fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Gradually add ice-cold water (approx. two to three tablespoons) and make dough of rolling consistency.

Lightly flour the rolling pin and the pastry board.

Roll the pastry into four 120 mm (5") diameter circles.

Line the base and sides of four greased 100 mm (4") diameter pie dishes.

Prick with a fork and bake in a hot oven at 230°C (460°F) for 10-12 minutes. Keep aside.

For the stuffing
Heat the butter in a pan; add green chillies, corn and sauté for 1 minute.

Dissolve the cornflour in the milk and add this to the mixture.

Cook till the mixture thickens, add all the remaining ingredients and mix well. Keep aside.

How to proceed
Spread the spinach corn mixture over the baked pastry in the pie dishes.

Bake in a hot oven at 230°C for 10 minutes or until the mixture becomes firm. Serve hot.

Tips:

Before baking decorate with sliced tomatoes or any other vegetable of your choice.

Short crust pastry can be made using half maida and half whole wheat flour OR full whole wheat flour OR half oats and half whole wheat flour. It will taste different but will be healthier.