Springtime in New England our markets are bursting with fresh asparagus, which is one of my favorite veggies. I love to combine asparagus with leeks then flavor with thyme and lemon. I used this combination to make this rich goat cheese quiche. A wonderfully easy dish, I used store-bought piecrust, saving time, and cleanup while maintaining the rich fresh favor.
Asparagus Leek and Goat Cheese Quiche
1 (14.1-oz.) pkg. refrigerated piecrusts
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups thinly sliced leeks
1 chopped shallot
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
1/2 kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 whole milk
1/2 heavy cream
4 large eggs
4 oz crumbled goat cheese tablespoons
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Unroll piecrust; stack on a lightly floured surface. Roll stacked piecrust into a 12-inch circle. Fit piecrust into a 10-inch deep-dish pie plate or a lightly greased tart pan with removable bottom; press into fluted edges. Flute and pitch if using a pie plate. Trim off excess piecrust along edges if using a tart pan.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add leeks, shallots, asparagus, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool 5 minutes. Reserve 10-12 asparagus spears for decoration.
Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, goat cheese, mozzarella, salt, pepper and lemon zest
Spoon asparagus mixture in the prepared pie dish. Gently add egg mixture. Arrange reserved asparagus spears on top. Bake in the preheated oven until set, about 45-50 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excess browning if necessary. Cool on baking sheet on a wire rack 20 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
