Saturday, March 26, 2016

low-carb ham and cheese quiche





Breakfast.  Lunch.  Dinner.

That's when I ate this dish the handful of days it was in our fridge.  And I promise you it got better with each day.

About six weeks ago, in an effort to calm down joint inflammation, I began significantly lowering my carb intake.  There is no doubt I absolutely love my bread and pasta and sweets, but trying to get chronic low-back and hip issues under control trumped that love.  I still have some of those preferred staples, but I really attempt to fill up on protein, dairy and veggies first, and then top it off with the "good stuff."

I actually came up with this recipe for a brunch last week and I'm planning to make it again this week.  It really turned out light and creamy and would be a b-e-e-autiful addition to your Easter table tomorrow.  I decided to use an immersion blender to mix up the eggs and cream, so I'm fairly sure that's why the result was so tender.  I couldn't have been more pleased.

I know quiche traditionally has a crust, but I am here to say you won't miss it.  It would certainly work fine with it, but low-carb eating or not, I prefer it this way.

I hope your Easter Sunday is lovely.  For more Easter eats, you might like to try this, this, or this.

Low-Carb Ham and Cheese Quiche

makes one 9x13 pan
printable recipe
  • 2 cups diced fully cooked ham
  • 2 cups finely shredded cheese (a cheddar works very well)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups cream
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
1.  Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease 9x13 pan.

2.  Evenly spread diced ham and cheese on bottom of pan.

3.  Melt butter over medium heat and saute' onions until soft.  Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about
30 seconds.  Remove pan from heat and set aside.

4.  In mixing bowl, whip eggs, cream, salt and pepper until light and fluffy.  Using an immersion 
blender worked great here, but you could add air into the mixture by using a hand mixer, if you don't have an immersion.

5.  Stir onion/garlic mixture into eggs and stir.

6.  Pour egg mixture over ham and cheese.  Cook 30-35 minutes, or until knife inserted into center
comes out clean. Take care to not overcook.

Recipe inspired by Taste of Home.