The Gluten-Free Homemaker

While quiche is known as a French dish, it actually originated in Germany in the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, which was later given the name Lorraine by the French.  According to Wikipedia:

“In French cuisine, a quiche is a baked dish that is based on a custard made from eggs and milk or cream in a pastry crust.”


Quiches are traditionally a breakfast food, but can be enjoyed at any meal.  They are also generally well liked, as long as you eat eggs.  Most quiches include cheese, but they don’t have to.  I think a dairy free quiche could be successfully made, but I’ve never tried.

The crust is the part of a quiche that is a challenge for gluten-free cooks.  I have overcome that obstacle quite easily by making crustless quiches.  However, that’s not the only option.  Below I list some crust ideas.

I’m not going to give you a recipe because they are easy to find but the basic parts/ingredients include:

• crust
• eggs (usually 4)
• milk or cream (usually 1 – 2 cups)
• additions
• salt & pepper, and other seasoning if desired (parsley, dill, basil)

Let’s consider some options for two of those parts.

Crust – I used to make a quiche with a shredded potato crust.  I have to try it again soon.  The rice and polenta I haven’t tried, but it seems they would work. 

• gluten-free pie crust or pastry
• shredded potatoes or hash browns
• rice
• polenta

Additions – Here are ideas for commonly used additions, but get creative and use what you like.

• Cheese
  
  
  • Cheddar
  • Swiss
  • Monterey Jack
  • Parmesan
    
• Meat or Seafood
  
  
  • bacon
  • ham
  • sausage
  • ground beef
  • salmon
  • crab
  • tuna
    
• Vegetables
  
  
  • onions
  • leeks
  • green onions
  • spinach
  • peppers
  • broccoli
  • zucchini
  • asparagus
  • tomatoes
  • mushrooms

The Challenge:  Create a gluten-free quiche this month, post your recipe, and then link to it here on May 5th for Gluten-Free Wednesdays.  You might make a simple crustless quiche or try something very unusual.  It’s up to you.

Labels: monthly challenge