Cheese and courgette quiche is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the creamy goodness of cheese with the fresh and delicate flavor of courgettes (also known as zucchini). This recipe yields a delicious quiche that serves six people, making it ideal for a brunch, lunch, or light dinner. The shortcrust pastry provides a buttery and flaky base, while the combination of grated courgettes, onions, eggs, crème fraîche, and Gruyère cheese creates a rich and creamy filling. Baked until set, this quiche is best served hot, allowing you to enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures.
INGREDIENTS:
- 350g/12oz shortcrust pastry
- 1 onion, chopped
- 15g/½oz butter
- 450g/1lb courgettes, grated
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons crème fraîche
- 25g/1oz Gruyère cheese, grated
- Salt and ground black pepper
PREPARATION:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Grease a 25cm/10in pie dish.
- Roll out the shortcrust pastry and use it to line the pie dish.
- Cover the pastry with greaseproof paper or baking parchment and fill it with baking beans. This will help to prevent the pastry from rising during the initial baking.
- Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove the greaseproof paper and baking beans.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 190°C/375°F/Gas mark 5.
- In a frying pan, sweat the chopped onion in butter until soft.
- Add the grated courgettes to the pan and sweat for an additional minute.
- Spoon the onion and courgette mixture into the partially baked pie dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs, crème fraîche, and grated Gruyère cheese. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the courgette mixture in the pie dish.
- Bake the quiche in the oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the filling is set and golden brown.
- Serve the cheese and courgette quiche hot.
YIELD:
- Serves 6
TIPS:
- To save time, you can use store-bought shortcrust pastry. However, homemade pastry can also be used if preferred.
- Grate the courgettes using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add herbs such as thyme or basil to enhance the flavor of the quiche.
- Consider adding other ingredients such as cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or sliced cherry tomatoes to add variety and depth to the quiche.
- Serve the cheese and courgette quiche as a main dish accompanied by a side salad or roasted vegetables.
- Leftover quiche can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated gently in the oven.
Cheese and courgette quiche is a delectable dish that brings together the creamy richness of cheese and the delicate flavor of courgettes. This recipe provides a straightforward guide to creating a delicious quiche that serves six people. The shortcrust pastry forms a buttery and flaky base, while the filling combines grated courgettes, sautéed onions, eggs, crème fraîche, and Gruyère cheese for a creamy and flavorful center. Baking the quiche until set and golden brown ensures a satisfying texture and taste. Serve the cheese and courgette quiche hot, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in each bite. It’s a versatile dish that works well for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your family.
