Quiche With What You Have in the Fridge

Quiche with What You Have in the Fridge: A Quick and Tasty Delicacy

Who doesn't love a delicious tart that brings together simple ingredients and offers an explosion of flavors? Quiche is a versatile recipe, perfect for using up leftovers from the fridge, and today I will teach you how to prepare a simple yet extremely tasty version using your favorite cheese - Sofia cheese from Delaco. This recipe is not only a great way to save time and ingredients but also an opportunity to experiment with different tastes and textures.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 6

A Brief History of Quiche
Quiche has deep roots in European cuisine, originating from regions with a tradition in pastry dishes. Over time, this dish has evolved, becoming popular worldwide. Whether served as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner, quiche is a symbol of culinary versatility, capable of adapting to any available ingredient.

Ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 400 g flour
- 200 g butter or margarine (with 60% fat)
- A pinch of salt
- Almost 100 ml very cold water

*For the filling:*
- 200 g lean ham (for example, Prague ham)
- 200 g bacon (or country ham)
- 1 large white onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 eggs
- 200 ml unsweetened cream (from Lidl)
- 200 g grated cheese (Sofia from Delaco)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt.
2. Add the diced butter and rub it with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This step is essential for achieving a flaky dough.
3. Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, kneading until the dough becomes smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Avoid making it too sticky!
4. Roll out the dough into a thin sheet and place it in a tart pan. Make sure the edges are even and the dough fits perfectly in the shape.
5. Use a fork to prick the dough, preventing air bubbles from forming during baking.
6. Place the dough in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the dough become flakier during baking.

Preparing the Filling
1. Start by finely chopping the ham and bacon.
2. Finely chop the onion.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and add the onion. Sauté over medium heat until it becomes golden and translucent.
4. Add the chopped meat (ham and bacon) and cook for a few more minutes, stirring, until the meat is lightly browned.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Combining the Ingredients
1. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add the unsweetened cream to the eggs and mix well to obtain a smooth mixture.
3. Remove the dough from the fridge and evenly distribute the meat and onion mixture on the bottom of the tart.
4. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
5. Finally, generously sprinkle the grated cheese on top. This will give a golden and tasty crust to the quiche.

Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (or setting 1 for a gas oven).
2. Place the tart in the oven and bake the quiche for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden.
3. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the middle – it should come out clean.
4. Once baked, let the quiche cool slightly before cutting it.

Serving Suggestions and Variations
Quiche can be served warm or cold, alongside a fresh green salad or a side of vegetables. You can experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in the fridge. For example, add spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, or olives for a vegetarian version.

If you want to give it a fresh touch, add some chopped dill or parsley to the egg mixture. Quiche pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade, making this recipe ideal for a weekend lunch or a dinner with friends.

Nutritional Benefits
This quiche recipe can be an excellent source of protein due to the eggs and meat, while the cheese provides calcium and healthy fats. Additionally, the vegetables you can add bring essential vitamins and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with any cheese you prefer, such as feta or mozzarella.

2. How long can I keep the quiche?
The quiche keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is tastiest when consumed fresh.

3. Can the quiche be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the quiche before baking it. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

I hope this quiche recipe with what you have in the fridge inspires you to create something delicious and easy to prepare! Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share with your loved ones!