Ham & Arugula Quiche with Creamy Havarti & Smoked Gouda Cheese

Step 1

Mix the dry crust ingredients in a smallish bowl and mix with a fork to combine and break up any lumps. In a smaller bowl, beat the egg, then add it to the dry ingredients mixing to form a dough. Refrigerate until needed up to 3 days.

Step 2

Cut a piece of parchment and trace around the bottom of a 9 inch spring-form pan and cut the circle out. Cut two strips of parchment to line the sides of the pan, too. Spray the bottom of the spring-form pan and fit the parchment circle on it. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it in half. Roll one half of the dough between two pieces of parchment the same diameter as the bottom of the spring-form pan. Transfer the round of dough to the prepared spring form pan and position. Trim off any excess. Spray the ring portion of the pan and attach it to the bottom. Add the strips of parchment to line the inside of the ring. Roll the other portion of dough into a rectangle and cut it down the middle lengthwise with a knife. Remove sections of the dough and place it along the inside of the pan. Trim the top evenly to about 3/4 of an inch from the top. Use any extra dough to patch any holes. Put the thyme crust into the refrigerator. (This step is fiddly but worth it)

Step 3

Thinly slice the onions and shallots. Cut the tomato in half and gently squeeze/scoop out the seeds. Slice thinly into rounds. Grate the cheese and reserve 1/4 to sprinkle on top of the quiche before it goes into the oven. Chop the ham.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 350 and place the rack in the lower third.

Step 5

Add the onions an shallots to a cold pan with 1 tablespoon of oil. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook until the onions begin to sizzle. Stir to coat them in the oil. Add 1/2 cup water and simmer them, covered, until soft - the heat will need to be reduced during the simmering.

Step 6

When onions are soft, uncover and cook gently until they begin to brown. Add the arugula and cook until wilted. Remove to a large bowl.

Step 7

Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and brown the ham, then add it to the onions and arugula. Cool slightly.

Step 8

Next, add the ingredients for the custard to the bowl, adding the cheese last. Blend together with a hand mixer and pour into the spring-form pan.

Step 9

Place the tomatoes on top in an attractive pattern and sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Place the ham & arugula quiche into the oven and bake for almost an hour. Remove from the oven when there is barely a wiggle in the middle for a properly cooked quiche. I prefer to wait until the top is nice and brown and the quiche is thoroughly cooked.

Step 10

When the quiche is done, remove it from the oven and cool for 30 minutes before removing the sides.

Step 11

Serves 10 as part of a brunch.