Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Asparagus & Heirloom Tomato Quiche?
This is a flavorful breakfast or brunch dish featuring fresh asparagus, juicy plum tomatoes, and a creamy egg filling inside a flaky crust.
What size pie crust is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 9-inch pie crust.
How should the pie crust be prepared before adding ingredients?
The pie crust should be partially baked with the edges covered to prevent over-browning.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The recipe requires 4 beaten eggs.
What kind of dairy is used for the creamy filling?
1/2 cup of half-and-half is used to create the creamy base.
Why is flour added to the egg mixture?
3 tablespoons of flour are whisked into the mixture to help set the filling and provide structure.
What spices are used to season the quiche?
The quiche is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of paprika and 1 teaspoon of salt.
What type of mustard is recommended?
You can use 1/2 teaspoon of either brown or honey mustard.
How much cheese is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Which types of cheese work best in this quiche?
Cheddar or Gruyรจre are excellent choices for this dish.
How many asparagus spears are required?
The recipe uses 10 to 12 young, thin asparagus spears.
How do I prepare the asparagus for the bottom layer?
Slice 5 to 6 asparagus spears into bite-sized pieces and layer them on the bottom of the crust.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1 to 2 plum tomatoes.
How should the plum tomatoes be prepared?
The plum tomatoes should be thinly sliced.
What is the first step in mixing the filling?
Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, flour, paprika, salt, and mustard until smooth.
When do I pour the egg mixture into the crust?
Pour the mixture over the initial layer of bite-sized asparagus pieces in the pre-baked crust.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the quiche for an initial 20 minutes.
When do I add the decorative top layer of vegetables?
After the first 20 minutes of baking, remove the quiche and arrange the remaining spears and tomato slices on top.
How long is the final baking stage?
Bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes after adding the final vegetable layer.
How can I check if the quiche is fully cooked?
The filling is set when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Should the quiche be served immediately?
Allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing to let the filling set.
Is this quiche suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe featuring vegetables, cheese, and eggs.
What is the best occasion to serve this dish?
It is perfect for spring gatherings, breakfast, or brunch.
Can I use thicker asparagus spears?
The recipe recommends thin, young spears for the best texture and even cooking.
Why are the crust edges covered during the first bake?
Covering the edges prevents them from burning while the filling finishes cooking.
How many tomatoes should I use?
Depending on their size, 1 to 2 plum tomatoes are sufficient.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory dish with a hint of warmth from paprika and mustard, combined with creamy cheese.
What is the consistency of the filling?
The filling is smooth and creamy due to the half-and-half and egg blend.
Is the asparagus cooked before being added to the crust?
No, the asparagus is trimmed and sliced raw; it cooks while the quiche is in the oven.