Who doesn't love a good quiche, especially a quiche lorraine? Ok, so not everyone in the world is a fan or even knows what either one is, but if they are fans of pastries like pies and tarts, then they are definitely missing out. For those who are and know how to make Quiche Lorraine bites, they would claim that it isn't a tough nut to crack when preparing.
On the other hand, the process of preparing Foods like this is far easier than they might let on. Here is a super simple recipe for beginners. Oh. but first, let's answer the burning question on everyone's mind.
What is quiche anyway?
In the world of pastry, a quiche is a type of open tart that's filled with an uncooked custard. A custard is a liquid--usually milk or cream or both--that is thickened with eggs and flavored with spices, cheese, chocolate, or fruit. For a quiche, the custard is savory. Therefore, it's flavored with salt, pepper, and cheese (either cheddar or gruyere), and includes vegetables.
A quiche can be served either as a small tart that can fit in your hand or at the size of a large pie. If you have ever had a tart before, then you already have a good idea of what you're about to bite into. Just remember, it's usually savory and might not appeal to all of those who have a sweet tooth.
What about quiche lorraine?
This is a simple variant to the quiche that many tart eaters may have already encountered in their mom's cooking or over at a friends' house to watch the Super Bowl. Its surname comes from the French region of the same name and differs simply by including cooked bacon in the custard.
When does it get simple?
Although this all sounds pretty complicated especially to those who never prepared a tart or custard, this recipe has you covered. When trying to understand a complicated recipe such as this one, an amateur only has to break it down into separate dishes going together. In this case, we have a tart and a custard; the former acting as a cup or shell and the latter as the filling.
Also, this recipe only requires you to make one of these components from scratch. Thanks to innovations in food production and retail modern distribution, people can now buy ready-made pastry from their local grocery store or even order it online. That includes pre-baked tart shells that come in either sweet and savory flavor.
For this recipe, 1.9" savory tart shells are desired because they sell in packs and make serving the quiche lorraine that much easier. Again, this is a savory dish. So, before you start, make sure you have bought savory tart shells and the desired amount according to the recipe. Now for the recipe.
Simple custard filling recipe
Custard Filling:
- 4 oz diced and cubed bacon
- 3 oz shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese
- 1 diced onion
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups of half and half
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 6 savory 1.5" tart shells
- Nutmeg
- Salt and pepper as needed
Directions:
- Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C). Pour the oil into a frying pan over medium heat. Saute the bacon for a minute, then remove from heat.
- Put the bacon and 3oz of the shredded cheese in a bowl and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the half and half with the eggs, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg as needed.This is your custard.
- Divide the bacon and cheese evenly among the tart shells. Pour the custard into each shell evenly and sprinkle even amounts of the remaining cheese on top of them.
- Place the tarts on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and put the sheet in the oven to bake for 35-45 minutes or until the custard turns golden and doesn't jiggle when disturbed.
- Remove to cool and serve warm.
Serves: 6