Quiche with Tofu and Spinach
A creamy, savory vegan quiche that's perfect for brunch or a light dinner. Silken tofu creates a surprisingly rich, custard-like filling, packed with fresh spinach and savory seasonings, all in a flaky crust.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 55 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Blind Bake the Crust
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Gently press the vegan pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges.
- d.Prick the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- e.Bake for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment paper and weights, then bake for another 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Spinach
- b.While the crust bakes, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- e.Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches. Cook, stirring frequently, until all the spinach has wilted down and the excess moisture has evaporated. This is key to a firm quiche. Remove from heat.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Tofu Filling
- b.In a high-speed blender, combine the drained and pressed silken tofu, unsweetened soy milk, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, Dijon mustard, kala namak, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Quiche
- b.Pour the blended tofu filling into a large bowl.
- c.Add the cooked spinach and onion mixture to the bowl. Fold everything together until evenly combined.
- d.Pour the final mixture into the pre-baked pie crust and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake the Quiche
- b.Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Carefully place the quiche on the middle rack and bake for 40-45 minutes.
- d.The quiche is done when the top is lightly golden and the center is firm to the touch (it should not jiggle). A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Cool and Serve
- b.Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing.
- c.This resting time is crucial for the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices.
- d.Serve warm or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pressing the tofu is essential. Wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and put something heavy on top for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water.
- 2Squeeze the cooked spinach thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve or with your hands (once cool enough) to remove all excess liquid. This prevents a soggy quiche.
- 3Kala namak (black salt) provides a distinct eggy flavor. If you can't find it, you can omit it, but the flavor will be less traditional.
- 4Allow the quiche to cool completely before refrigerating. It tastes great cold the next day.
- 5For a richer, creamier filling, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened vegan cream cheese to the blender with the tofu.
Adapt it for your goals.
Mushroom and Herb
Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions and add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary to the filling.
Sun dried Tomato and BasilSun-dried Tomato and Basil
Fold in 1/3 cup of chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained) and 1/4 cup of fresh chopped basil into the filling before baking.
Crustless QuicheCrustless Quiche
For a gluten-free and lighter option, skip the crust. Grease the pie dish well and pour the filling directly in. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
Broccoli and 'Cheddar'Broccoli and 'Cheddar'
Replace spinach with 1 cup of finely chopped, steamed broccoli florets and add 1/2 cup of shredded vegan cheddar cheese to the filling.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
Tofu provides a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering significant amounts of Vitamin K for bone health, Vitamin A for vision, and iron for energy production.
Heart-Healthy and Cholesterol-Free
This quiche is made without eggs or dairy, making it naturally free of dietary cholesterol. Tofu has been shown to support cardiovascular health.
Contains Beneficial Isoflavones
Tofu is a rich source of isoflavones, plant compounds that act as antioxidants and may offer various health benefits, including supporting bone health and hormonal balance.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a very healthy dish. It's packed with plant-based protein from tofu, rich in iron and vitamins from spinach, and is completely cholesterol-free. It's a much lighter and more heart-healthy option compared to traditional egg-and-dairy quiche.