A Squash and Mozzarella Quiche Recipe Worth Sharing

Random Act of Kindness Day falls on February 17th, but kindness doesn't need a date on the calendar. Harvest Right customers have shared stories of using their freeze dryers to give food to people going through natural disasters, layoffs, financial hardship, and plenty of situations in between. Sharing a warm, nutritious, easy-to-prepare meal is one of the simplest acts of kindness there is — and this quiche is a good one to have on hand for exactly that.

Why Quiche

Quiche travels well, reheats easily, and works for vegetarians by simply leaving out any meat. It's also easy to make ahead and rehydrate later, which makes it a practical choice whether you're feeding your own family or bringing a meal to someone else's. For more ways to put a freeze dryer toward helping others, see share the love: freeze-dried food for giving back.

Squash and Mozzarella Quiche

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups sliced green or yellow squash (fresh or freeze-dried)
• 2 cups sliced zucchini (fresh or freeze-dried)
• 1/4 cup diced shallots
• 1 tablespoon chopped thyme (fresh or freeze-dried)
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 6 tablespoons raw egg powder plus 6 tablespoons water (equivalent to 3 whole eggs)
• 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (fresh or freeze-dried)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Sauté the squash, zucchini, and thyme in olive oil for about 4 minutes.
3. Whisk together the milk, salt, pepper, egg powder, and water until fully blended — add a little extra water if you're using freeze-dried ingredients.
4. Layer the sautéed vegetables in the crust, sprinkle with mozzarella, and pour the milk mixture over the top.
5. Bake for 45 minutes.
6. Let cool before slicing into squares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can freeze-dried vegetables be used in this quiche?
Yes — the squash, zucchini, thyme, and mozzarella can all be fresh or freeze-dried. If using freeze-dried ingredients, add a little extra water to the milk mixture to account for the moisture they'll absorb.

How long does this quiche need to bake?
45 minutes at 350°F, then let it cool before cutting into squares.

Is this quiche vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, as written — it contains no meat, making it an easy option to share with vegetarians.

Why is sharing a meal considered a good act of kindness?
A warm, easy-to-prepare meal is something almost anyone can use, whether they're dealing with a hardship, a busy week, or just appreciate not having to cook — and it's something a freeze dryer makes easy to prepare ahead and give away.