Quiche Lorraine: A Classic Savory Pie

Quiche Lorraine is a beloved French dish that has captivated food enthusiasts for centuries with its rich and creamy texture paired with savory flavors. Originating from the region of Lorraine, this pie has become one of the most popular brunch dishes across the world due to its versatility and ease of preparation. This recipe will guide you through making your own quiche Lorraine at home.

The beauty of quiche Lorraine lies in its simplicity; it is a dish that can be prepared using basic ingredients found in most kitchens. The primary components include a pastry crust, eggs, cream or milk, cheese, and various meats such as smoked ham (jambon de Bayonne). For this recipe, we'll focus on a traditional version using Swiss cheese.

Cooking Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (or ready-made pie crust)
• 7 eggs
• 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 medium onion, diced fine
• 5 slices of smoked ham, chopped finely
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheating: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting for the oven, you may also prepare your other ingredients by chopping them finely.

Cooking the onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion until it softens and becomes translucent. This typically takes around 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before adding into your quiche mixture.

Mixing ingredients: Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk well for about one minute. Gradually add the heavy cream or half-and-half while continuously whisking until combined smoothly. Then incorporate the Swiss cheese, smoked ham, cooked onions, nutmeg (if using), salt, pepper, and stir everything together gently so as not to overbeat the eggs which would lead to a tough texture in your final product.

Assembling: Lay out one sheet of puff pastry on your work surface. Pour half of the quiche mixture onto it, spreading evenly across its surface leaving about an inch around all edges clear for folding purposes. Cover this first layer with another sheet of puff pastry, ensuring that any excess trimmings are trimmed away to create a smooth edge.

Baking: Place your assembled pie directly into the oven preheated at 375°F (190°C). Allow it bake for approximately 45 minutes, keeping an eye on its progress. You might need more or less time depending on your specific equipment and preferences; however, a golden brown top crust is usually indicative of doneness.

Finishing Touches: After removing from the oven, let it cool down for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve immediately to enjoy its full flavor while still warm and gooey inside!

Tips & Variations

• You can substitute other types of cheeses like Gruyère or Cheddar if you prefer milder flavors.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with spinach or mushrooms sautéed in olive oil.
• To make it extra indulgent, add some bacon bits at the end for a bit more crunch.

Quiche Lorraine remains an iconic dish celebrated not only for its delightful taste but also for its ability to satisfy various dietary preferences. Whether you're hosting guests or simply enjoying this treat solo, quiche lorraine promises delicious moments filled with rich aromas and satisfying textures. Try making it today and discover why it holds such a special place in the hearts of many food lovers!