Mary Berry Broccoli Quiche

Delving into the world of quiches brings us to one of Mary Berry's classics, a dish that blends the simplicity of eggs and cream with the hearty textures and flavors of its fillings. Today, we explore a version inspired by Mary Berry's expertise in quiche-making, focusing on a broccoli quiche variation. Although the exact recipe for Mary Berry's Broccoli Quiche isn't available, we can draw inspiration from her approach to quiche recipes, such as her Quiche Lorraine and Leek and Stilton Quiche, to guide us through crafting a similar dish.

Mary Berry's Approach to Quiche

Mary Berry emphasizes the importance of homemade pastry for its superior flavor and texture, shunning ready-made alternatives for something that truly makes the dish stand out​​. Her quiches often feature a rich blend of eggs and cream for the filling, poured over a base of meticulously prepared ingredients, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry​​.

Ingredients for a Broccoli Quiche Inspired by Mary Berry

• For the pastry:
  • Plain flour and butter for the crust, with cold water to bind
• For the filling:
  • Fresh broccoli, cut into florets
  • Onions, finely chopped
  • Cheese (Gruyere or a similar hard cheese), grated
  • Eggs and single cream for the custard base
  • Seasonings: Salt and ground black pepper

Preparation Instructions

1. Pastry Making: Begin by crafting the pastry with flour, butter, and water. Chill the dough before rolling it out and lining your quiche tin.
2. Preparing the Filling: Sauté onions until golden, then mix with blanched broccoli florets and cheese, spreading this mixture over the pastry base.
3. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs and cream together, seasoning with salt and pepper, before pouring over the filling.
4. Baking: Bake until the custard is set and the top golden, at temperatures adjusted to ensure a perfectly cooked pastry and filling.

Storage and Reheating

Mary Berry's quiches can be enjoyed cold or warm, making them perfect for make-ahead meals. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the eggs​​.

Nutritional Information

A broccoli quiche offers a good balance of protein from the eggs and dairy, along with fiber from the broccoli. The cheese and cream add richness and calories, making it a satisfying meal.

FAQ about the Broccoli Quiche

• Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but ensure it is thawed and well-drained to prevent a soggy pastry.
• How do I prevent a soggy bottom? Blind baking the pastry before adding the filling is key to a crisp base.

Drawing from Mary Berry's culinary wisdom gives us a blueprint for creating delightful quiches, including a broccoli variant that's both nourishing and comforting. While we've tailored these instructions to fit a broccoli quiche, the essence of Mary Berry's technique—a flaky homemade pastry, a creamy custard filling, and the perfect blend of flavors—remains at the heart of this dish.

For a detailed exploration of Mary Berry's quiche recipes, including her Quiche Lorraine and Leek and Stilton Quiche, visit My Gorgeous Recipes​​ and The Happy Foodie​​. These resources provide a closer look at her methodology and tips for perfecting the quiche, an embodiment of comfort food that transcends trends and seasons.