If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy dish to serve at your next brunch or gathering, look no further than vegan broccoli quiche. This savory dish has a rich and interesting history, having been enjoyed by many cultures around the world for centuries.
What makes vegan broccoli quiche so special is its unique blend of flavors and textures. It combines the earthiness of broccoli with the creamy richness of vegan cheese and eggs, making for a satisfying and filling dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a fancy brunch or a laid-back potluck, vegan broccoli quiche is a great choice. It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be served hot or cold, making it versatile and convenient for a variety of gatherings.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour: This will be used for the quiche crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Adds flavor to the crust.
- 1/2 cup of vegan butter: Provides fat for the crust.
- 1/4 cup of ice water: Helps bind the crust ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds flavor to the quiche.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Enhances the taste of the quiche.
- 2 cups of broccoli florets, chopped: The star ingredient of the quiche.
- 1 cup of vegan cheese, grated: Adds a cheesy flavor to the quiche.
- 1 1/2 cups of silken tofu: Acts as the base of the quiche filling.
- 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast: Provides a savory and cheesy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch: Helps to thicken the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric: Adds color to the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme: Enhances the overall taste of the quiche.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining the crust ingredients.
- Rolling pin: Used to roll out the quiche crust.
- Quiche or pie dish: Used to bake the quiche.
- Frying pan: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
- Blender or food processor: Used to blend the quiche filling ingredients.
- Whisk: Used for combining the filling ingredients.
- Baking sheet: Placed under the quiche dish to catch any spills.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the vegan butter and use your fingers or a fork to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped broccoli florets and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a blender or food processor, combine the silken tofu, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, turmeric, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a mixing bowl and stir in the grated vegan cheese.
- Pour the tofu mixture over the vegetables and gently fold everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Quiche
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is large enough to fit into the quiche or pie dish.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the dish and press it against the bottom and sides to form the crust.
- Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Pour the filling into the crust and spread it out evenly.
- Place the quiche dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Tricks to Know:
- To make the crust flakier, make sure the vegan butter is cold and cut it into small pieces before incorporating it into the flour.
- If you don’t have a quiche or pie dish, you can use a tart pan or a square baking dish instead.
- For a variation, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling.
- If you prefer a more intense cheesy flavor, add some vegan cheese on top of the quiche during the last few minutes of baking.
- Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing to ensure it holds its shape better.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the vegan broccoli quiche as a main dish alongside a fresh green salad.
- Pair it with roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries for a hearty meal.
- Cut the quiche into small bite-sized pieces and serve them as appetizers at a party or gathering.
- Pack individual slices of quiche in lunchboxes for a tasty and satisfying lunch.
- Serve the quiche with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy a slice of quiche with a dollop of vegan sour cream or hot sauce for added flavor.
- Accompany the quiche with a bowl of soup for a comforting and filling meal.
Storage Options and Shelf Life:
- The vegan broccoli quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze the quiche, wrap individual slices or the whole quiche tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- When reheating, place the frozen quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- To reheat individual slices, microwave them for 1-2 minutes or heat them in a toaster oven until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different type of flour for the crust?
Yes, you can experiment with different flours like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
2. Can I substitute the silken tofu in the filling?
Silken tofu provides a smooth and creamy texture to the filling. You can try using firm tofu, but the texture will be different.
3. Can I make the quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used as a substitute. Thaw it before adding it to the sautéed vegetables.
5. Can I use other types of vegan cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite vegan cheese or experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.
6. Can I omit the nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy and savory flavor to the quiche. If you prefer not to use it, you can omit it, but the taste will be slightly different.
7. Can I reheat the quiche in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat individual slices of the quiche in the microwave.
Vegan Broccoli Quiche
Vegan broccoli quiche is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the earthiness of broccoli with the creamy richness of vegan cheese and eggs. It is versatile and can be served hot or cold for any occasion, from a fancy brunch to a laid-back potluck.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Quiche or pie dish
- Frying Pan
- Blender or food processor
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of vegan butter
- 1/4 cup of ice water
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 cups of broccoli florets chopped
- 1 cup of vegan cheese grated
- 1 1/2 cups of silken tofu
- 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the crust by combining flour, salt, vegan butter, and ice water. Form a dough, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and broccoli in olive oil until tender.
- Blend silken tofu, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, turmeric, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth. Mix with sautéed vegetables and grated vegan cheese.
- Roll out the dough and place it in a quiche dish. Pour the filling into the crust.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
1. Use cold vegan butter for a flakier crust.
2. A tart pan or square baking dish can be used if you don’t have a quiche dish.
3. Add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling for variety.
4. Top with additional vegan cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a stronger cheesy flavor.
5. Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its shape.
