Rukmini Iyer has crafted a delightful and indulgent recipe for a mushroom and artichoke puff pastry quiche, offering a clever shortcut for those craving a savoury pie or tart without the fuss of making traditional shortcrust pastry. This dish combines rich flavours with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks.
A Luxurious Cheat's Delight
For anyone short on time, this recipe uses bought, pre-rolled puff pastry as a decadent alternative to homemade shortcrust. While Iyer acknowledges that a from-scratch pastry would involve blending flour, butter, and egg yolk, then blind baking, she notes that this adds an extra 20 minutes, which falls outside the 30-minute constraint of this column. Thus, the puff pastry serves as a quick and reliable base, ensuring the quiche remains both easy and elegant.
Ingredients and Preparation
To create this savoury masterpiece, you'll need a few key ingredients. The list includes olive oil, chestnut mushrooms, garlic, creme fraiche, eggs, sea salt flakes, a sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry, jarred artichoke pieces, goat's cheese, and fresh rosemary. These components come together to form a hearty and flavourful filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the sliced mushrooms and grated garlic. Stir-fry for five to six minutes until they are slightly browned and cooked through, then transfer to a plate to cool. This step ensures the mushrooms release their earthy flavours without becoming soggy.
Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the creme fraiche, eggs, and salt to create a creamy, rich mixture. Unroll the puff pastry sheet into a medium roasting tin, allowing it to come up all four sides. If there's any overhang, trim it and consider using the surplus to make cheese or jam pinwheels for a bonus treat.
Once the pastry is in place, tip the sauteed mushrooms into the case, then evenly arrange the artichoke slices on top. Pour the creme fraiche and egg mixture over the vegetables, then scatter the sliced goat's cheese and rosemary sprigs across the surface. Bake for 25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature, letting the flavours meld beautifully.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This mushroom and artichoke puff pastry quiche is not only quick and easy but also versatile, serving as a main course, starter, or even a brunch dish. It caters to vegetarians and those looking for a comforting yet sophisticated meal. The combination of creamy goat's cheese, earthy mushrooms, and tangy artichokes creates a balanced taste that's sure to impress.
For more inspiration, explore related topics such as quick and easy food, pastry baking, and vegetarian recipes. This dish exemplifies how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly special with a bit of culinary creativity.
