Courgette Quiche

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Courgette Quiche with this delightful recipe. Courgettes, also known as zucchini, are the star of this quiche, creating a light and savory dish. The homemade pastry adds a buttery and cheesy element to the quiche, while the filling, made with eggs, cream, fresh basil, and lime zest, brings a burst of flavors. Perfect for a brunch or a light lunch, this Courgette Quiche is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you serve it hot or cold, it will be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to enjoy the delightful combination of courgettes and creamy filling, encased in a crisp and flavorful pastry crust.

INGREDIENTS

For the pastry:

• 175g/6oz plain flour
• Pinch of salt
• 100g/4oz butter, cut into pieces
• 100g/4oz Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 egg yolk, beaten
• A little egg white, to seal

For the filling:

• 350g/12oz courgettes, cut into 2.5cm/1in chunks
• 3 eggs
• 150ml/5fl oz double cream
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
• Finely grated zest of 1 lime
• A little egg white
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATIONS

1. Make the pastry by sifting the plain flour into a bowl with a pinch of salt.
2. Add the butter pieces to the flour and rub them in thoroughly using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Stir in the grated Cheddar cheese, then add the beaten egg yolk.
4. Gather the mixture together with your fingers to form a smooth ball of dough.
5. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6.
7. To make the filling, plunge the courgette chunks into salted boiling water, bring it back to a boil, and then simmer for 3 minutes. Drain the courgettes and set them aside.
8. In a jug, lightly beat the eggs together with the double cream.
9. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and the finely grated zest of 1 lime. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set it aside.
10. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured work surface and use it to line a loose-bottomed 23cm/9in flan tin. Refrigerate the lined tin for 15 minutes.
11. Prick the base of the dough with a fork, then line it with foil. Place the tin on a preheated baking sheet and bake it in the oven for 10 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and brush the inside of the pastry case with the egg white to seal it. Return the tin to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
13. Stand the courgette chunks upright in the pastry case, then slowly pour in the egg and cream mixture.
14. Return the tin to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the quiche is set and golden.
15. Serve the Courgette Quiche hot or cold.

YIELD

This recipe serves 4 people.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

• Serve the quiche as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or as a part of a brunch spread.
• Customize the filling by adding other ingredients such as cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions.
• Experiment with different cheeses for added variety and flavor.
• Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold.

TIPS

• Ensure the pastry is well chilled before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking.
• Use a loose-bottomed flan tin for easy removal of the quiche.
• Blind baking the pastry before adding the filling helps to create a crisp crust.
• Garnish the quiche with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated cheese before serving for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

In conclusion, this Courgette Quiche recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The homemade pastry, enriched with Cheddar cheese, creates a flavorful and crisp crust for the quiche. The filling, made with tender courgette chunks, eggs, cream, fresh basil, and lime zest, brings a burst of flavors and a creamy texture to each bite. Whether served hot or cold, this Courgette Quiche is sure to please your taste buds.

The versatility of this recipe allows for customization by adding additional ingredients such as bacon, mushrooms, or onions to the filling. Serve it as a main course with a fresh salad or include it as part of a brunch spread.

Prepare the pastry ahead of time, and when you’re ready to serve, assemble the quiche and bake it to golden perfection. Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed later, either reheated in the oven or savored cold.

Impress your family and friends with this Courgette Quiche, showcasing the delightful flavors of courgettes and a creamy filling encased in a flavorful pastry crust. Whether it’s a relaxed lunch or a special occasion, this quiche is a winner.