Pumpkin and Spinach Quiche

Here’s a delicious vegan recipe for Pumpkin and Spinach Quiche, perfect for a hearty meal. This quiche features a flavorful pumpkin crust and a creamy tofu filling, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Crust

• 1 ½ cups (350g) pumpkin, boiled, steamed, or roasted (or canned pumpkin puree)
• 1 cup (80g) chickpea flour
• 1 tablespoon ground chia or flax seeds
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup (65g) water (if needed)

For the Filling

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups (120g) fresh spinach, packed
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (to taste)
• Extra virgin olive oil or water (as needed)
• 1 block (300g) extra-firm tofu, drained and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• Black salt or Kala Namak (for an egg-like taste)
• Herbs/spices like turmeric, onion powder, and garlic powder

Instructions

Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a food processor, combine the pumpkin, chickpea flour, ground chia seeds, and salt. Process until smooth and thick.
3. If the mixture is too dry, add a little water to achieve a sticky paste.
4. Press the mixture into a quiche dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Bake for about 5 minutes until just dry to the touch.

Making the Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until translucent.
2. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled tofu with nutritional yeast, black salt, and spices. Mix well until creamy.

Assembling the Quiche

1. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
2. Pour the tofu filling over the spinach layer.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is firm and slightly golden.

Serving

Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. This vegan Pumpkin and Spinach Quiche pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or as part of a brunch spread.

Enjoy your nutritious and flavorful quiche!

Good Vegan Egg Substitutes for Quiche

When making vegan quiche, there are several effective substitutes for eggs that can help achieve a similar texture and binding effect:

• Silken Tofu: Blended silken tofu creates a creamy base that mimics the texture of eggs. Use about 1/4 cup of blended silken tofu per egg.
• Chickpea Flour (Besan): A mixture of chickpea flour and water can be used as an egg replacer. Combine 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it becomes gelatinous, which can replace one egg.
• Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas can be whipped to create a light, airy texture, using about 3 tablespoons to replace one egg.

Using Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh

Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the quiche filling. This will help prevent the quiche from becoming watery.

Making a Gluten-Free Pie Crust

To make a gluten-free pie crust for your quiche, you can follow this simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups gluten-free flour blend (like Cup4Cup or Bob’s Red Mill)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup dairy-free butter or shortening
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Ice water as needed

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter or shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the apple cider vinegar and just enough ice water to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and transfer it to a pie pan.
5. Pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes before adding your filling.

Other Vegetables to Add to Quiche

You can enhance your quiche by adding various vegetables. Some great options include:

• Bell Peppers: Diced for sweetness and color.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed for an earthy flavor.
• Zucchini: Grated or diced for moisture.
• Broccoli or Cauliflower: Steamed and chopped for added nutrition.
• Leeks or Green Onions: For a mild onion flavor.

Making Quiche Without a Pie Crust

Yes, it is possible to make quiche without a pie crust! You can simply bake the filling in a greased pie dish or use a layer of vegetables (like sliced zucchini or sweet potatoes) as a base. This method reduces carbohydrates while still delivering a delicious quiche experience.