Jurassic Quiche

I created this recipe to take advantage of the bounty of early March farmers markets here in California. The word 'jurassic' comes from the antique and heirloom quality of the main ingredients-- Romanesco cauliflower, dinosaur (Lacinato) kale, and spelt (antique wheat grain). Plus the pointy, pale green Romanesco cauliflower gives this quiche an otherworldly appearance! This recipe is meat-free, cheese-free, healthy, and low in fat (well, except for the eggs).

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  bunch  romanesco cauliflower
• 8 -10  dinosaur kale leaves
• 1 1⁄4 cups  spelt
• 3  eggs
• 1⁄4 cup skim milk
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
•  fresh parsley

Directions

1. Toast the spelt grains in a saucepan with olive oil for 5-10 minutes, then add 2-3 cups water or broth to cook. Spelt must be cooked thoroughly before adding to the casserole dish. Drain off any excess liquid once spelt is cooked.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F
3. Grease a 12 x 12 casserole dish, then line the bottom with the cooked spelt. Chop up the dinosaur kale in a food processor, then add that as a layer above the spelt. Chop the Romanesco cauliflower into individual florets, then nestle each floret into the spelt and kale mixture.
4. Combine eggs, milk, and parsley into a blender and blend for 30 seconds. Evenly pour over the other ingredients in the casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
5. Bake the quiche for 30-40 minutes at 350°F It is finished when there is no liquid visible if you tip the pan to the side and look in the center.