Quiche Lorraine

Recipe by: Victoria Blashford-Snell, Brigitte Hafner | from The Illustrated Kitchen Bible

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 4 Hours

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Photo by:

A French classic, this egg and bacon tart is the original and the best.

Yield: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

Equipment:

9-in (23cm) tart pan with a removable bottom
Baking beans

For the dough:

1½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out
8 tbsp butter, chilled and cubed
1 large egg yolk
3 tbsp ice water, as needed

For the filling:

7oz (200g) bacon
1 onion, finely chopped
2/3 cup shredded Gruyére cheese
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup whole milk
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Prepare Ahead:

Refrigerate the cooled, baked quiche for up to 2 days; reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes.

1. To make the dough, pulse the flour and butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Mix the yolk and water. Transfer the flour mixture to a bowl and stir in enough of the water mixture until the dough clumps together. Gather in a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 30 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough 1/8 in (3mm) thick. Line a 9in (23cm) tart pan with a removable bottom with the dough, trimming any excess. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prick the dough with a fork, and line with parchment paper and beans. Place on a baking sheet and bake 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and beans and bake another 10 minutes, until golden.

3. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large frying pan over medium heat about 4 minutes, until golden. Add the onion and cook 2–3 minutes, until softened. Spread in the pastry shell, then sprinkle with the Gruyére.

4. Whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, and season with pepper. Pour into the shell. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and just set. Serve hot, warm, or cold.

VARIATION

Mushroom Quiche:

Omit the onion, bacon, and Gruyére. Cook 1 large red onion, finely chopped, with 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Add 10oz (300g) of sliced mixed mushrooms and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook for another 6 minutes. Spoon into the pastry and sprinkle with 4 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 3 tbsp chopped parsley. Add the custard and bake as above.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 465kcal (23%)

Calcium 148mg (15%)

Vitamin C 1mg (2%)

Vitamin A 256mcg RAE (9%)

Potassium 185mg

Magnesium 19mg

Protein 13g

Sugar 2g

Fiber 1g

Total Carbohydrate 21g