Leek and Carrot Quiche

Leek and Carrot Quiche – A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Number of Servings: 6

The leek and carrot quiche is an ideal choice for any meal of the day, from a healthy breakfast to a light dinner. This savory tart combines fresh vegetables with a creamy filling and a crispy crust, giving you an explosion of flavors in every bite. The history of quiche is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions, where savory tarts were often filled with available ingredients, reflecting creativity in cooking.

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 250 g of flour
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons of cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

For the filling:
- 2 leeks (small or medium)
- 3 medium carrots
- 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste
- 100 g of grated cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the crust
1. Start by preparing the crust. Place the flour on the work surface and create a well in the center.
2. Sprinkle the salt into the flour and add the egg and the 1-2 tablespoons of cold water into the well.
3. Using a fork or your fingers, mix the ingredients in the well with the flour, being careful not to over-knead. Activating the gluten may lead to a less flaky crust.
4. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Meanwhile, clean the leeks and carrots. Cut the leek into small pieces or julienne, depending on your preference. Grate the carrots.
2. In a skillet, heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the leek and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the grated carrot and a pinch of salt, mixing well. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.

Step 3: Assembling the quiche
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you achieve a sheet about 3-4 mm thick.
3. Transfer the dough to a 26 cm tart pan, pressing gently to fit the shape. Use a fork to make a few holes in the dough to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
4. Evenly distribute the leek and carrot mixture over the dough in the pan.

Step 4: Preparing the creamy filling
1. In a bowl, beat the 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream with the egg. Add a pinch of salt and mix well.
2. Incorporate the grated cheese into the sour cream and egg mixture.
3. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the vegetables in the tart.

Step 5: Baking
1. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top of the filling.
2. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the quiche is nicely browned and the filling is set.
3. Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Useful Tips

- *The perfect crust*: If you want an even crispier crust, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the dough.
- *Filling variations*: Experiment with other vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers, for different flavors. You can also add some pieces of bacon or ham for a heartier option.
- *Serving*: The quiche can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Leeks are an excellent source of vitamin K, while carrots provide a significant amount of beta-carotene, beneficial for vision. Cheese offers protein and calcium, while sour cream adds creaminess and a source of healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of flour for the crust? Yes, whole wheat or rye flour can be used for a more robust flavor, but the dough may require more water.
- Is quiche suitable for a diet? Quiche is relatively balanced, but it's important to control portions, especially if you are monitoring caloric intake.
- How can I make the quiche healthier? Reduce the amount of cheese or use a low-fat version. You can also opt for low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Create special moments around the table with this leek and carrot quiche recipe, which is sure to become a favorite among your loved ones! Enjoy!