(serves 6; estimated cost: $12, or $2 per serving)
Ingredients:
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach thawed
1 refrigerated pie crust
5 large eggs
¾ cup milk (1%, whole milk, or a combo of milk and cream for more richness)
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 cup diced cooked ham
¾ cup 1/4-inch-diced or shredded cheese
2 green onions finely chopped
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. If your frozen spinach is not already thawed, thaw it in the microwave per the directions. Place the spinach in a colander and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
Blind Bake the Crust (If your crust comes pre-formed in a disposable pan). Place the pie dish on a baking sheet and bake for 3 minutes. Remove it from the oven, prick it all over with the tines of a fork, then return to the oven and bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes more. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and hot sauce (if desired).
Squeeze and blot more water from the spinach (you want it as dry as possible), then scatter it evenly over the bottom of the blind-baked crust. Sprinkle the ham, cheese, and onion over the spinach.
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the top.
Bake the Quiche: Bake the quiche on the baking sheet, until a knife inserted 1 inch from the edge of the crust comes out clean and the center is set, about 40 to 50 minutes. If the edges of the pie crust start to brown more than you would like, protect it with foil or a pie crust shield.
Let the baked quiche rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice and serve.