Quiche Lorraine with Camembert

Quiche Lorraine with Camembert - A Delicacy That Delights the Senses

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Quiche Lorraine is a classic recipe, originating from European culinary tradition, that has evolved over the centuries. This humble yet delicious tart is often filled with cheese, bacon, and cream, but today I will present you with a unique version that includes Camembert cheese. This cheese, with its distinctive, soft, and creamy character, adds an elegant and sophisticated note to the dish.

The ingredients needed to achieve a perfect Quiche Lorraine with Camembert are simple, yet each plays an essential role in creating a memorable culinary experience.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g wheat flour
- 100 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons cold water or cold milk
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 3 eggs (ideally, use free-range eggs)
- 200 g Camembert cheese (rind removed and diced)
- 50 g grated Gruyere cheese
- 150 g bacon (diced)
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg, dried herbs de Provence

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Dough:
If you have a food processor, it will make your life much easier. Start by adding the flour and butter to the bowl of the processor. Mix until you achieve a texture similar to that of fine sand. If you don’t have a processor, you can do this manually: place the flour on a clean surface, add the diced butter, and quickly mix with your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour.

Once you have a uniform texture, add the egg and mix again. Finally, incorporate the cold water or milk until you obtain a compact dough. It’s important not to knead too much, as the dough will become tough.

Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.

2. Preparing the Filling:
While the dough cools, you can prepare the filling. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and sauté the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove it onto a paper towel to absorb excess fat.

In a bowl, beat the eggs together with the cream, add 3/4 of the fried bacon, half of the grated Gruyere, the diced Camembert, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the herbs de Provence. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

3. Baking the Dough:
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out, either with a rolling pin or with your fingers directly in a greased tart pan. Make sure the dough evenly covers the sides and bottom. Cover it with baking paper and add beans or a baking weight to prevent puffing. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 15 minutes.

4. Combining and Final Baking:
After 15 minutes, remove the dough from the oven, take off the baking paper and beans. Pour the egg and cream filling over the dough. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese and a little fried bacon on top for added flavor.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the quiche is nicely colored and the filling is firm. Check with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the quiche is ready!

5. Serving:
Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a side of steamed vegetables. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for brunch or a light dinner.

Tips and Tricks

- Choose quality ingredients: Flour, butter, and free-range eggs will make a significant difference in the final taste of the quiche.
- You can experiment with the filling: Instead of bacon, you can use smoked salmon or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Care for the dough: Ensure all ingredients are cold to achieve a flaky dough. You can keep the butter and eggs in the refrigerator before use.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free flour, but make sure to follow a specific recipe for gluten-free dough.

Nutritional Benefits

Quiche can be a healthy choice, rich in proteins and healthy fats, thanks to the eggs and cream. Camembert cheese provides a calcium boost, and bacon adds a savory taste, but try to choose lower-fat options if you are concerned about caloric intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quiche suitable for breakfast?
Yes, Quiche is an excellent choice for breakfast or brunch, being hearty and full of flavors.

Can Quiche be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the quiche before baking it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you want to consume it, let it thaw and then bake it according to the instructions.

What drinks pair well with Quiche?
A glass of white wine or a brunch cocktail, such as a Mimosa, will pair perfectly with this dish.

Transform this recipe into a favorite in your kitchen and enjoy a meal full of flavor that will surely impress anyone who savors it! Bon appétit!