Nigella Quiche

Nigella Quiche

Dive into the savory world of quiche with two exquisite recipes from Nigella Lawson's community collection: the Perfect Mushroom, Feta and Tomato Quiche and the classic Quiche Lorraine. These dishes not only offer a delightful taste experience but also embody the elegance and comfort associated with Nigella's culinary philosophy.

Perfect Mushroom, Feta, and Tomato Quiche This quiche is a harmonious blend of earthy mushrooms, tangy feta cheese, and sweet semi-dried tomatoes, all encased in a buttery, homemade pastry crust. The filling is enriched with crème fraîche, double cream, and a trio of well-beaten eggs, seasoned with nutmeg, black pepper, and fresh tarragon. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a final touch of umami.

  • Ingredients:
    • Pastry: 500g flour, 290g very cold butter, 1 egg, and 80ml very cold water.
    • Filling: Mushrooms, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, crème fraîche, double cream, eggs, nutmeg, black pepper, tarragon, vinegar, a little butter, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Preparation:
    • The pastry involves blending flour and butter to crumbs, adding an egg and water, then chilling. It's then rolled out, fitted into a tin, and pre-baked with baking stones or dried beans to prevent puffing.
    • For the filling, mushrooms are lightly cooked with tarragon vinegar, then combined with the cheese, tomato, and a creamy egg mixture. This is poured into the pastry case and topped with Parmesan before baking until golden and softly set​​.

Quiche Lorraine A timeless classic, this Quiche Lorraine focuses on simplicity and flavor, featuring bacon, Swiss or Parmesan cheese, and a custard base made from eggs and heavy cream, subtly enhanced with nutmeg, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, and scallions.

  • Ingredients:
    • 6 eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, 8 slices of bacon, 1½ cups Swiss or Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, scallions, and 1 pie crust.
  • Preparation:
    • The bacon is cooked until crispy, then layered with cheese in the pie crust. A mixture of eggs, cream, and seasonings is beaten and poured over the bacon and cheese layers. The quiche is then baked until set and golden​​.

Uneggy Creamy Leek & Bacon Quiche with Blue Cheese For a unique twist, try this creamy quiche that combines smoky bacon, tender leeks, and the bold flavor of blue cheese, all nestled in a thyme-infused pastry crust. The filling is a rich blend of double cream, egg yolks, and a mixture of Parmesan and mature cheddar or Gruyère cheese, with an optional touch of Dijon mustard for depth.

  • Ingredients:
    • Pastry: 110g flour, lard and butter, an egg, salt, thyme, and optional Parmesan.
    • Filling: Double cream, egg yolks, bacon, a large leek, an onion, garlic, blue cheese, Parmesan, and mature cheddar or Gruyère.
  • Preparation:
    • The pastry is made by combining flour with fats, thyme, and optionally Parmesan, then chilled. The filling involves sautéing bacon, leeks, onion, and garlic, then mixing with crumbled blue cheese, cream, egg yolks, and additional cheeses. This mixture is poured into the pastry case and baked until golden​​.

Both of these recipes highlight the versatility of quiche, making it a perfect dish for any meal. Serve them with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying experience.

Storage and Reheating: Quiches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, place in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This ensures the pastry remains crisp and the filling heats evenly.

Nutritional Information: Quiches are rich in protein from the eggs and cheese, and provide a good source of calcium. The pastry, however, adds a significant amount of carbs and fats. For a lighter version, consider using a low-fat cheese and cream alternative, or a crustless option.

FAQ:

  • Can I use store-bought pastry? Yes, for convenience, you can use pre-made pastry crusts.
  • Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely, quiches are very adaptable. Feel free to add spinach, peppers, or any other favorite veggies.
  • Can I make these quiches ahead of time? Yes, quiches can be prepared ahead and either stored in the fridge or frozen. If freezing, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of these quiches, perfect for any occasion, from a simple brunch to a sophisticated dinner.

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