Are you looking to add a touch of regal elegance to your next brunch or lunch gathering? Look no further than the Coronation Quiche. This delightful twist on a classic dish combines the flavors of a traditional quiche with the vibrant and aromatic spices of a coronation chicken. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of creating your own coronation quiche, providing variations for different dietary needs, and offering tips on reheating and freezing. Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious and unique recipe fit for royalty.
Ingredients
To create the perfect coronation quiche, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plain Flour | 250g |
| Cold Butter | 50g |
| Lard or Butter | 50g |
| Milk | 4 tbsp |
| Ready-made Shortcrust Pastry | 250g block |
| Milk | 125ml |
| Double Cream | 175ml |
| Medium Eggs | 2 |
| Fresh Tarragon | 1 tbsp |
| Cheddar | 100g |
| Cooked Spinach | 180g |
| Cooked Broad Beans or Soya Beans | 60g |
Make it Gluten-Free
If you or your guests follow a gluten-free diet, you can easily swap the pastry for a gluten-free version. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors of the coronation quiche without any dietary restrictions.
Make it Dairy-Free
For those who are lactose intolerant or follow a dairy-free lifestyle, there are simple substitutions you can make to create a dairy-free coronation quiche. Instead of using butter, you can use dairy-free spread to make the pastry. Most shop-bought pastry is also dairy-free. For the filling, replace the milk and cream with a dairy-free alternative. We find that soya milk gives the creamiest result. Additionally, you can replace the cheese with a vegan alternative or omit it altogether. To add a cheesy flavor, you can include 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast.
Make it Your Own
The beauty of the coronation quiche is its versatility. If you can't find tarragon or prefer another herb, feel free to swap it with other soft herbs like basil or parsley. Similarly, if you don't have broad beans, you can use peas as a delicious alternative. Don't be afraid to get creative and tailor the recipe to your personal taste preferences.
Method
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let's dive into the method of creating the coronation quiche:
Start by sieving the plain flour into a bowl and add ½ tsp of salt. Add the cold butter and lard (or butter) and rub the mixture together using your fingertips until it reaches a sandy, breadcrumb-like texture.
Gradually add the milk, a little at a time, and use a cutlery knife to start bringing the dough together. Use your hands to ensure there are no dry patches and the dough feels smooth. Cover the dough and let it rest in the fridge for 30-45 minutes.
Place a 20cm loose-bottomed tart tin or a 20cm pastry ring on a baking sheet. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pastry into a circle slightly larger than the top of the tin and approximately 5mm thick.
Carefully lift the pastry into the tin and gently press it into the corners, ensuring there are no holes. Cover and rest for an additional 30 minutes in the fridge.
Preheat your oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper. To do this, cut a disc of greaseproof paper larger than the tin, scrunch it into a ball to make it more pliable, then unwrap and place it in the pastry case. Make sure it comes above the sides. Fill the case with baking beans or uncooked rice and bake blind for 20-25 minutes until golden and dry.
Carefully remove the greaseproof paper and baking beans, and return the pastry case to the oven for 5 minutes to dry the base.
Reduce the oven temperature to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. In a separate bowl, beat the milk, cream, eggs, and herbs together, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Scatter half of the grated cheddar into the blind-baked pastry case, followed by the chopped spinach and beans. Pour the liquid mixture over the filling, ensuring it is evenly dispersed. Be careful not to damage the pastry case while gently stirring, if necessary.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top of the quiche. Place it into the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until set and lightly golden.
Reheating and Freezing
The coronation quiche can be prepared in advance and reheated when needed. To ensure the best results, follow these steps:
On the day you make the quiche, cool it down by placing it on a wire rack. Elevate the base to allow for quick cooling and prevent condensation.
When the quiche is warm, remove it from the tin (leaving it on the base) and allow it to cool completely. For storage in the fridge, you can put it back in the tin to make it more robust and less likely to get knocked.
When you're ready to enjoy the quiche, preheat your oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6 and place a baking sheet inside. Lift the quiche out of the tin and slide it onto the hot baking sheet, leaving the base on. If the quiche is already quite brown, cover the top with a sheet of foil. Reheat for 15 minutes, taking care not to overcook and risk additional liquid from the spinach.
If you have leftovers or want to freeze the quiche for future enjoyment, it can be frozen. Thaw it thoroughly and reheat following the steps above. Ensure that the center is hot enough by checking with the point of a knife and cook for an additional 5 minutes if needed.
Conclusion
The coronation quiche is a delightful and unique twist on the classic quiche. By infusing it with the flavors of coronation chicken, you can bring a touch of regal elegance to your next gathering. With options for gluten-free and dairy-free variations, as well as room for personalization, this recipe is sure to impress. Whether you're hosting a brunch or looking for a delicious lunch option, the coronation quiche is a perfect choice. Try making it today and indulge in a truly royal culinary experience.