*Lazy Spinach Pispalita(Romanian Quiche)
A savory Romanian quiche featuring spinach, feta, and cottage cheese, with a cornmeal crust. Perfect for brunch or light meals, blending creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine thawed and squeezed dry spinach, melted butter, cottage cheese, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix well and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Add buttermilk, milk, 1 1/4 cups of cornmeal, and baking powder to the eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Stir the spinach mixture into the egg batter until evenly incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased or lined baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute ricotta for the cottage cheese, adding a creamier texture. If you prefer a gluten-free option, replace cornmeal with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent excess moisture, which could make the dish soggy. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor profile, making it a delightful vegetarian recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This Lazy Spinach Pispalita is perfect as a brunch dish or light lunch, and pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a side of Olivier Salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top for added creaminess. It also makes for a hearty snack or appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as it may dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of *Lazy Spinach Pispalita(Romanian Quiche) contains roughly 496 calories, with 14g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 692mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it down in a pan until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cottage cheese and feta with dairy-free alternatives like almond or cashew-based cheeses. Use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, to replace regular milk and buttermilk.
Can I add other vegetables to the quiche?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to cook them first to reduce moisture content before adding them to the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).