THE FRENCH QUICHE: Amazing recipe you need to try

Discovering the French Quiche

The French quiche is a cherished dish enjoyed across France for its simplicity and deliciousness. Originally crafted from leftover bread dough, this savory treat features a custard-like filling known as “migaine,” made with eggs and fresh cream. With ingredients like smoked bacon, it boasts a rich flavor reminiscent of rustic farm fare.

Today, the quiche has become a symbol of French culinary excellence, spreading beyond borders due to the Lorraine people’s migration during the Franco-Prussian War. Whether made with homemade dough or store-bought, it’s a versatile dish perfect for any occasion.

From brunch to dinner, the quiche shines as both a starter and a main dish. Pair it with a fresh green salad adorned with onions, walnuts, or other toppings for a delightful meal.

So now, I invite you to explore my own quiche recipe – simple, delicious, and ready to elevate your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 200 grams of flour (approximately 1 and 1/2 cups)
• 7 tablespoons of olive oil
• 8 tablespoons of warm water (about 1/2 cup)
• A pinch of salt

Note on Salt:

The quiche derives its natural saltiness from the cheese and bacon, so exercise caution when adding salt to the dough. If you opt not to include bacon, you may consider adding a second pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

For the filling:

• 200 ml of fresh cream (about 1 cup)
• 3 eggs
• 100 g of grated Gruyere cheese (about 1 cup). You can also substitute with Emmental or a blend of cheeses, or simply use your preferred grated cheese.
• 200 g of raw smoked bacon (about 1 cup)
• 1 onion
• Nutmeg (to taste)

Quiche Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

For the dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, then add the olive oil and warm water.
2. Mix until a dough forms, then shape it into a ball.
3. Press the dough evenly into a pie mold using your fingers.
4. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
5. Place the dough in the preheated oven.

This recipe is not only simple, but also incredibly quick to prepare. Additionally, it can be adapted for use in other savory pie recipes.

-For quiche’s filling :

Instructions:

1. Fry the onion and bacon: In a skillet, fry the onion into the butter first and as they start to caramelize, add the bacon
2. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, cream, and cheese. Then, add the cooked bacon and onion mixture.
3. Season: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Alternatively, if you don’t have nutmeg, you can add a tablespoon of mustard for added flavor.

Now, cook the quiche for 45 minutes in the oven at thermostat 6 or 180°C or 356°F.

Serve with a small green salad, a treat!

Variation Ideas:

While the traditional French quiche recipe with bacon holds a special place in my heart, there are countless ways to customize this versatile dish. As someone who enjoys experimenting with leftovers, I’ve explored a wide array of quiche variations. The key is to always incorporate a signature touch, whether it’s nutmeg, mustard, or any other seasoning you fancy, to elevate the flavor profile.

For example:

• Vegetarian Quiche: Substitute mushrooms for bacon, sautéed with garlic and parsley, for added depth of flavor.
• Spinach Quiche: Simply add frozen spinach to the traditional recipe and enhance it with pine nuts for a delightful crunch.
• Broccoli Quiche: Incorporate broccoli into the filling and elevate the flavor with a hint of curry for a flavorful twist.
• Ratatouille Quiche: Transform this classic French dish into a vegetarian delight by using ratatouille as the star ingredient.
• Goat Cheese and Tomato Quiche: Replace the grated cheese with creamy goat cheese and add fresh tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. A tablespoon of mustard adds a zesty kick.
• Smoked Salmon Quiche with Ginger and Dill: Infuse the quiche with the delicate flavors of smoked salmon, fresh ginger, and aromatic dill. Boil fresh ginger in water to create a fragrant infusion, then blend or finely chop the remaining ginger and incorporate it into the filling.

Now, it’s your turn to unleash your creativity! Start with the traditional version, and then let your imagination run wild as you create your own unique variations.

For booking an online cooking class in order we will prepare this quiche together, or any other recipe, you could click here.

And my favorite test of France, it’s here.