Description
This Coronation Quiche is a delicious savory tart featuring a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with a creamy custard of eggs, milk, and double cream, enriched with mature cheddar cheese, cooked spinach, broad beans, and fresh tarragon. Baked until golden and just set, it makes a perfect meal served warm or at room temperature alongside a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet shortcrust pastry (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon butter (for greasing)
Filling
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup double cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked broad beans (or fava beans)
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch tart tin with butter to prevent sticking.
- Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, double cream, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh tarragon until fully combined and smooth.
- Blind Bake the Pastry: Roll out the shortcrust pastry and line the tart tin evenly. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling. Line it with parchment paper and fill with baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and beans and bake for an additional 5 minutes to ensure a crisp base.
- Add the Filling: Evenly spread the cooked spinach and broad beans over the pastry base. Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar cheese on top to create a flavorful layer.
- Pour the Custard: Carefully pour the egg and cream mixture over the filling, ensuring it seeps evenly throughout.
- Bake the Quiche: Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is just set in the center but still slightly wobbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the quiche to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set completely for clean slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Blind baking the pastry helps avoid a soggy base, ensuring a crisp texture.
- Drain and chop the cooked spinach well to avoid excess moisture diluting the custard.
- Broad beans can be substituted with other cooked beans or peas if desired.
- Fresh tarragon adds a distinctive herbaceous flavor but can be replaced with parsley or chives if unavailable.
- Serve the quiche with simple sides like a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
