Asparagus and Cheese Quiche with Hash-Brown Crust

asparaguscheesequichehasbrowncrust Get all the goodness of hash browns and a rich Fontina and goat cheese egg custard in this unexpected quiche. With fresh green asparagus and tarragon, it's perfect for a springtime brunch, lunch, or light dinner.

4 medium russet potatoes, peeled (~ 2 lbs)
1½ tsp. sea salt, divided
¾ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground, divided
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3 Tbsp. butter, divided
4 medium shallots, thinly sliced
6 large eggs, room temperature
1¼ cups half-and-half cream
1 tsp. mustard powder
1 pinch nutmeg, freshly grated
1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon, finely chopped
5 oz Fontina cheese, grated (~ 1½ cups)
4 oz fresh goat cheese, crumbled (~ ¾ cup)
½ bunch asparagus, ends trimmed (~ ½ lb)

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

Using the coarse grater disk on a food processor or the largest holes on a box grater, shred potatoes. Toss with 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper in a large bowl. Transfer to a clean dishtowel, gather together ends of towel and thoroughly wring out excess liquid over the sink; Transfer potatoes to a bowl and set aside.

Heat oil and 2 Tbsp. butter in a 10" cast-iron skillet over medium-high until butter is melted. Add potatoes and immediately start forming into a crust by pushing potatoes flat against bottom and sides of pan with a ½-cup dry measuring cup. Continue cooking, pressing potatoes up sides of pan if they start shrinking, until potatoes are bound together and bottom of crust is starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, melt remaining 1 Tbsp. butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté until translucent, 5-6 minutes; set aside.

Whisk eggs, half-and-half, mustard powder, nutmeg, remaining ½ tsp. salt and remaining ¼ tsp. pepper in another large bowl. Whisk in tarragon and set aside.

Sprinkle Fontina cheese, goat cheese and sautéed shallots evenly over bottom of crust, then pour in egg mixture. Arrange asparagus decoratively on top. Bake until quiche is set and crust is well browned, 30-35 minutes. Let cool to room temperature before cutting into wedges and serving from the pan.

Makes 8-10 servings.

Make-Ahead:

Quiche can be made up to 1 day in advance.
Cool to room temperature, then wrap with plastic and refrigerate.
To reheat, bake at 325°F (165°C/140°C fan, Gas Mark 3) until warmed through, 15-20 minutes.