Mini quiche

Mini Quiche with Seafood, Salmon, and Mushrooms: A Quick and Delicious Delicacy

Welcome to the flavorful world of cooking! Today, I present to you a wonderful recipe for mini quiches that will transform any meal into a feast. These individual savory tarts are perfect for a family dinner, a party, or even a brunch with friends. With delicious combinations of seafood, salmon, and mushrooms, each mini quiche is an explosion of flavors, and the preparation is simple and quick.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6 mini quiches

Ingredients

- 1 sheet of savory tart dough (or you can make homemade dough if you have time)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of grated cheese
- 1 tablespoon of heavy cream (30%)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Mixed herbs (can be a blend of dill, parsley, and dehydrated garlic)
- Toppings for quiche:
- 3 shrimp and 1 squid (for seafood)
- 150g of raw, non-smoked salmon (for salmon)
- 2 slices of ham and a few mushrooms (for the ham version)

The Story Behind the Recipe

Mini quiches became popular due to their versatility. This recipe was inspired by the tradition of using leftover meats and vegetables, transforming them into something delicious. Thus, the concept of quiche emerged, which can be adapted with any ingredients you have on hand. Whether you prefer a vegetarian or meat version, mini quiches are easy to customize to suit your tastes.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Use a ready-made dough sheet to save time, but if you feel adventurous, you can make homemade tart dough. Cut large circles from the dough sheet using a bowl or a pastry cutter. You should get 6 circles.

2. Shaping the Mini Quiches: Grease a mini tart pan with butter to prevent sticking. Place the dough circles into the tart molds, ensuring they fit evenly along the edges.

3. Preparing the Filling: In a bowl, beat the egg, then add the cream and grated cheese. Mix well until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs. This mixture will be the delicious base for your quiches.

4. Filling the Quiches: Divide the egg mixture evenly among the 6 mini quiches. Each tart should have about 2 tablespoons of filling.

5. Adding the Toppings: Now comes the creative part! Add your desired toppings to each mini quiche. You can choose:
- 3 shrimp and 1 squid for the seafood version
- 150g of raw salmon for the fish version
- 2 slices of ham and a few mushrooms for a classic version

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the mini quiches for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden and the filling is well cooked. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so make sure to check occasionally.

7. Serving: Remove the tray from the oven and let the mini quiches cool slightly. You can sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a touch of freshness. Serve them warm, alongside a green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.

Practical Tips

- Ingredient Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment! You can add feta cheese, spinach, bacon, or even grilled vegetables, depending on your preferences.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time on serving day.
- Freezing: These mini quiches are perfect for freezing. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. You can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
- Recommended Drinks: These mini quiches pair perfectly with a dry white wine or freshly made lemonade. You can also try iced tea for a summer meal.

Nutritional Information

Each mini quiche has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It’s an excellent option for a light yet nutritious snack. It contains proteins from the eggs and cheese, healthy fats from the cream, and omega-3s from the salmon. Adding vegetables will provide you with essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use puff pastry instead of tart dough?
Yes, you can use puff pastry, but it will have a less crispy texture.

- Can I make these mini quiches vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the meat and add vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.

- What is the best way to store mini quiches?
If leftover, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or frozen for a month.

I hope this recipe inspires you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen! Mini quiches are not only delicious but also an excellent way to gather the whole family around the table. Enjoy your meal!