Spinach, ricotta and feta quiche - Crisp parmesan shortcrust pastry filled with spinach, ricotta and feta cheese; all the flavours of spanakopita in a tart.
One of the ingredients that I always make sure my freezer is stocked with is frozen spinach; I even prefer it to fresh spinach as the fresh stuff cooks down so much that you have to buy a vast quantity of it to end up with barely any once cooked.
I use it for a variety of things, my favourites being spinach pesto and various variations of spanakopita - Greek spinach cheese pie.
Spanakopita is traditionally made with homemade filo (phyllo) pastry, though shop bought can absolutely be used as well; but I was in the mood for something different so tweaked my usual recipe to turn it into a quiche instead.
I made a crisp parmesan shortcrust pastry for the tart case, you can omit the parmesan if you prefer but I love cheesy pastry!
The filling contains both ricotta and feta cheeses - the feta for flavour and the ricotta for creaminess, replacing most of the cream traditionally used in quiche.
The spinach needs to be defrosted then very thoroughly squeezed to wring out all the excess water, otherwise you risk ending up with the dreaded soggy bottom!
Spring onions provide a touch of warmth and dill and parsley give a fresh, herby flavour, balancing the creamy and salty cheeses.
The quiche is delicious both hot or cold, though I do recommend allowing it to sit for at least half an hour after baking before turning it out and serving so it is easier to slice; it also keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days so can be made the day beforehand and reheated in the oven if needed.
It makes a lovely dish for a picnic or buffet or can be served as a vegetarian main meal alongside a crisp salad. (If making this for vegetarians make sure that you use a vegetarian alternative to the parmesan).
If you like this recipe then you may also love my asparagus, pea and feta tart, vegetarian nut roast pie and caramelised red onion and goats cheese tarts.
Spinach, ricotta and feta quiche recipe:
Spinach, Ricotta & Feta Quiche (Spanakopita Tart)
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 250 g (2 cups) plain flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 140 g (⅓ + ¼ cups) cold, unsalted butter cubed
- 40 g (1.4oz) finely grated parmesan or grana padano cheese
- 1 egg separated
- about 2tbsp ice water
Filling:
- 450 g (16oz) frozen spinach
- 250 g (9oz) ricotta cheese
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) double (heavy) cream
- 4 spring onions (scallions)
- small bunch finely chopped parsley about ½ a 25g packet
- small bunch finely chopped dill about ½ a 25g packet
- small bunch finely chopped mint (leaves only) about ½ a 25g packet
- 2 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- salt and pepper
- 200 g (7oz) feta cheese
Instructions
- Place the flour, salt and butter in a bowl, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, stir in the cheese, followed by the egg yolk (save the white to use later). Add enough ice water to bring the mixture together into a ball, wrap in clingfilm and refrigerate for an hour.
- Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to about the thickness of a pound coin and transfer it to a 25cm round tart tin. Press the pastry into the corners and leave the excess overhanging. Prick the base all over with a fork then place in the freezer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190C/375F/gas mark 5.
- Line the pastry case with baking parchment or tin foil, making sure there is some overhanging. Fill with baking beans, making sure that the sides are propped up then bake for 20 minutes. Remove the beans and parchment and brush the pastry all over with the reserved egg white. Return to the oven for a further 10 mins, until golden. Remove from the oven and use a very sharp serrated knife to trim off the excess pastry; set aside.
- To make the filling, defrost the spinach, place it in a sieve and press on it firmly to extract as much excess liquid as possible; finely chop it then tip into a large bowl. Mix in the ricotta, eggs and cream.
- Finely chop the spring onions and add to the bowl along with the parsley, dill, mint and garlic. Season well with salt and pepper and crumble in two thirds of the feta. Pour the mixture into the prepared pastry case and spread it level. Crumble over the remaining feta.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until set in the middle. Cover loosely with foil partway through baking if the top starts to colour too much.
- Allow to cool for about half an hour before serving.
I am sharing this with Fiesta Friday hosted by The Not So Creative Cook and A Pug In The Kitchen, Foodie FriDIY, Foodie Friends Friday and Friday Features
Katie
This sounds delicious, I love the idea of Parmesan pastry.
Katie xoxo
hannahhossack
Thanks Katie 🙂 I love cheesy pastry!
Tzivia
Greetings from the good ol u s of a mmmmmm wow looks really way good and super yummmm btw I've seen you comment on vikalinkas aka Julia frey her blog ya bpth rock gotta try and with a parmesan crust cool beans
Sally hossack
This recipe sounds great Hannah. Can't wait to try it
Julia
This looks just as delicious and way easier than traditional spanakopita! I must try it! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Rosie
This looks and sounds delicious, love the triple cheese aspect!
Michelle
Looks like a great Sunday brunch recipe!
Thanks!
Michelle
Miranda
That's such a wonderful idea for a quiche! And the crust sounds so tasty!
Suzanne
Beautiful tart Hannah, thank so much for bringing to the party.
Olivia Allen
Uumm I've just made this, works perfectly, so cheesy and delicious. THanks so much!
Katherine
I just made it and it looks wonderful, thanks for the inspiration!
hannahhossack
Awesome! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Amgbpm
Great quiche just made it and the family loves it. Thanks for sharing this .
Penelope Moore
Hiya, just a quick question is it possible to freeze the pastry? I’m hoping to have the pie at the weekend but would like to make the pastry today. Thank you
hannahhossack
Hi Penelope, yes that is fine as long as it is well wrapped. You will need to transfer it to the fridge the day before you want to bake it so it has time to defrost. I hope you enjoy it!
Gina
I made this yesterday and it turned out very good. I wouldn’t say it knocked my socks off, especially for how long the process took, but it was tasty nonetheless. I had to use considerably more water in the dough than what was called for, but that’s not a big deal. It was even good after being microwaved the next day.
Daisy
This is my all time favourite quiche recipe. I make it at least once a month and have shared it with all my closets friends – we often invite each other over for ‘THE quiche!’. Thanks for sharing this fabulous recipe.