Pastrami and Quiche Recipe

Quiche, a dish that beautifully encapsulates the essence of comfort food, has traveled from the serene French countryside and consists of a pastry crust filled with savory custard and pieces of cheese, meat, seafood, or vegetables.

Accompanying a slice of this quiche with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette introduces a bright contrast to the palate.

For those seeking a heartier fare, sides of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans make perfect complements, enhancing the quiche’s rich flavors.

Of course, no meal in our homes is truly complete without a basket of warm dinner rolls, ready to soak up every delicious morsel.

Ingredients:

1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

8 slices of pastrami

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 large eggs

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven prepped is crucial for the perfect bake.

Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges for a homemade feel, whether it’s store-bought or from scratch.

Cook the pastrami in a skillet over medium heat until nicely charred and heated through. Then, transfer it onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.

Layer half of the shredded cheese onto the pie crust, creating a cozy base. Top it with the pastrami, laying the foundation for what’s to come.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This mixture promises a dish that’s as comforting as a warm embrace.

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the pastrami and cheese, covering them like a blanket.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, adding parsley for a touch of green, reminiscent of the first signs of spring.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche sets and the top is golden brown, mirroring a Midwest sunset. For an extra touch, add more cooked pastrami as garnish.

Allow the quiche to cool slightly before serving, teaching us the virtue of patience. Then, serve warm, bringing smiles all around your table.

Tips:

Quiche is incredibly adaptable, catering to various tastes and dietary needs.

Incorporate diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritional boost, or substitute pastrami with diced ham for different preferences.

For those avoiding lactose, opt for lactose-free alternatives for milk and cheese. The true essence of any dish lies in the love and care poured into it, making every bite taste better.

This recipe, with its simplicity and heartwarming flavors, is more than just food; it’s a medium through which we connect, celebrate, and cherish the moments shared with loved ones.

Contributed by Yara Sameh