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Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Quiche Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, look no further than this Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Quiche recipe. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this quiche combines the rich flavours of cheese and ham with the freshness of broccoli, all beautifully encased in a buttery pastry shell. What’s more, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham and is simple to customise with your favourite ingredients.

Ingredients

For the pastry:

• 225g (8 oz) plain flour
• 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• A pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:

• 200g (7 oz) cooked ham, diced
• 200g (7 oz) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 150g (5 oz) cheese (such as cheddar or a mixture of your favourites), grated
• 4 large eggs
• 300ml (10 fl oz) double cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley), chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pastry

1. Prepare the Pastry: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain flour and salt. Add the diced butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

2. Form the Dough: Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You want it to be pliable, but not sticky.

3. Chill the Pastry: Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps to relax the gluten, ensuring a tender pastry.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While the pastry is chilling, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry

1. Once chilled, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thick. Carefully lift it into a 23cm (9-inch) tart tin, pressing it into the edges. Prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up.

2. Blind Bake: Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake for about 15 minutes, then remove the paper and weights and bake for a further 5-10 minutes until golden and dry. Let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender, then drain and cool under cold water. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, double cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

Step 5: Assemble the Quiche

1. Scatter the diced ham, cooked broccoli, and grated cheese evenly over the pastry base.

2. Gently pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring it fills the gaps, but take care not to overfill.

Step 6: Bake the Quiche

Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the egg is set and the top is lightly golden.

Step 7: Serve

Allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This quiche pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or some crusty bread.

Storage Tips

Leftover quiche can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and also freezes well. To reheat, simply warm in an oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Quiche is a versatile dish that not only pleases the palate but also offers a hearty dose of vegetables. Whether served at a gathering or as a comforting meal at home, it’s sure to become a favourite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the benefits of making it ahead of time, and don’t hesitate to experiment by adding your own twist with different cheeses or vegetables. Happy cooking!

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