Crabmeat Quiche

I was in the mood for a quiche today and just so happened to have a pouch of lump crab meat in the freezer. Nothing better than fresh lump crab for sure, but I like cooking on the fly sometimes straight out of the pantry, so I always try to keep a couple of these pouches around. They freeze well, are perfect for this very reason and they work much better than canned crab in many recipes, including this quiche. If you don't have access to the pouches, which should be in the fresh or frozen seafood section of your store, canned is fine to use - just drain it well.

It is difficult to retain a crispy crust on a quiche, but precooking it slightly helps to keep it from going all out full soggy on you. The pinch of cayenne can be replaced with black pepper if you prefer and if you have to open a new can of tomato paste for this, be sure to check out my tip for storing the rest of the can. The next time you only need a tablespoon, you'll have it! That's where mine came from today.

If you enjoy a good quiche and you are a lover of crab like I am, you will definitely enjoy this. I hope that you give it a try - it really is delicious and just perfect for any meal! Enjoy.

Crabmeat Quiche
Posted at http://www.deepsouthdish.com/

8-inch pie shell, homemade or store
   bought (Pillsbury recommended)
1 (6 ounce) pouch of lump crab meat
3 tablespoons of butter
1 green onion, sliced
Pinch of kosher salt
3 turns of the pepper grinder
2 tablespoons of white wine or chicken broth
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
Another pinch of salt
Pinch of cayenne
1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese
Chopped tomato, for garnish
Sliced green onion, for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Drain the crab and set aside.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.  Add the green onion and cook just until soft.  Add the crab, salt and pepper, and wine or broth; bring to a boil.  Toss the crab gently to coat, remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Place the pie crust in an ungreased pie plate and flute the edges. Precook the unfilled crust in the lower part of the oven for about 10 minutes or until light golden. Remove and let cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees.

Whisk together the eggs, tomato paste, salt, and cayenne; add the crab and lightly combine.  Pour into pre-baked pie shell. Sprinkle cheese evenly all over the top.

Bake in the upper part of the oven at 375 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes or until puffed up and nicely browned, shielding the outer rim of the pie shell about halfway through to prevent overbrowning.

Let sit for about 10 minutes to set, slice and serve with chopped tomato and sliced green onion for garnish.