Coronation Quiche, a savory dish that became an iconic part of British culinary tradition especially during royal celebrations, is both a test of culinary skill and a delight to the taste buds. This blog post will guide you through five meticulously detailed steps to create the perfect Coronation Quiche, a dish that combines tradition with deliciousness.
Step 1: Preparation of Ingredients
Before embarking on the journey of crafting your Coronation Quiche, ensure that you have gathered all the ingredients. Here is what you will need:
- 100g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
- 50g cold butter, cubed
- 1 large free-range egg yolk
- 3-4 tbsp ice-cold water
- A pinch of salt
- For the filling:
- 150ml double cream
- 3 large free-range eggs
- 100g smoked haddock, flaked
- 50g cooked peas
- 100g cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
🔍 Note: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation, especially the eggs and dairy products.
Step 2: Creating the Perfect Pastry Base
Preparing the quiche pastry is an art form that can elevate your dish:
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl, then rub in the cold butter until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add the egg yolk mixed with ice-cold water until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is firm and easier to handle.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit your quiche tin, then line the tin, pressing into the edges.
- Prick the base with a fork and blind bake for 15 minutes at 180°C (356°F) to prevent a soggy bottom.
🔬 Note: Blind baking ensures the crust is partially cooked before adding the filling.
Step 3: Cooking the Filling
The filling is what adds depth and flavor to your quiche:
- Gently cook your smoked haddock in water for about 10 minutes until just cooked. Flake it into small pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and cream. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the haddock, peas, cheese, and parsley.
- Pour this mixture into the partially baked pastry case.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Now comes the final bake:
- Bake the quiche in the preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight wobble in the center.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
Resting your quiche is as important as the cooking process:
- Allow the quiche to cool in the tin for at least 30 minutes to let the custard set completely.
- Remove from tin, garnish as desired, and serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
In this journey through crafting the perfect Coronation Quiche, we have covered the importance of each step, from gathering quality ingredients to the final resting of the quiche. Through careful preparation and execution, your Coronation Quiche not only pays homage to royal tradition but also offers a delicious centerpiece for any occasion.
Why is it important to rest the quiche before serving?
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Resting allows the custard to set fully, improving both the texture and flavor of the quiche. Serving it too early can result in a runny filling.
Can I make Coronation Quiche ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare the quiche a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, covered, and allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
What can I substitute for smoked haddock if not available?
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Smoked salmon, cooked shrimp, or even spinach can be used as alternatives to smoked haddock in Coronation Quiche.
Is there a vegetarian version of Coronation Quiche?
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Absolutely, replace the smoked haddock with ingredients like asparagus, mushrooms, or additional cheese to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How can I prevent a soggy bottom in my quiche?
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Ensure your pastry case is blind baked for at least 15 minutes, use ceramic beads or dried beans as weights to keep the base flat. Also, a quick brush of egg white over the baked pastry can create a barrier against moisture.
