Quiche with artichokes is a lovely dish, particularly for vegetarians but also for meat-eaters: it really can’t fail to please and is versatile as it can be used as a main dish, side dish or appetizer. The ultimate quiche is the ‘quiche Lorraine’ with diced pancetta, but you can easily replace this flavouring ingredient with whatever your imagination suggests.
* approximate values per serving
Fry the finely chopped shallots in olive oil, add the thinly sliced artichokes and put in water with some lemon juice to stop them discolouring. Season with salt and cook, covered, for 15 minutes. Line a round quiche tray with parchment paper and then with the ready-made puff pastry, prick holes in the bottom with a fork so that it does not lift during cooking. Add the vegetables. Beat the eggs with the milk and Parmesan, add the cream, the diced cheese and ground pepper, mix well and pour over the vegetables. Bake in oven at 180 °C for 30 minutes.
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Fry the shallot briefly in extra virgin olive oil
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Clean the artichokes well and cut into slices
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Braise the artichokes in a pan with the lid on
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Roll out the ready-made puff pastry and prick the dough with a fork
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Break the eggs
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Add the milk, cream and Parmesan and mix everything well
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Add a generous handful of diced, sweet cheese
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Arrange the artichokes on the pastry base
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Cover with the egg mixture and bake
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Serve – also great the next day
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A delicious variation of artichoke quiche is the one that uses a crispy puff pastry to enhance the flavor of the artichokes. The preparation involves rolling out the puff pastry in a mold, creating a light and flaky base that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling of artichokes, eggs, and cheese. Baking in the oven allows the pastry to brown and become crispy, while the filling blends into a mix of flavors. This version is ideal for a tasty appetizer or a main dish, perfect to serve either warm or at room temperature. Additionally, the artichokes can be enriched with aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary, for an extra touch of freshness.
A typical interpretation of artichoke quiche is the Roman version, which reflects the flavors of Lazio's culinary tradition. In this preparation, the artichokes are cooked with a sauté of shallots and enriched with pecorino romano, which gives a strong and characteristic flavor. Moreover, one can opt for a shortcrust pastry base, which offers a different texture compared to puff pastry, making the dish more rustic. The Roman-style artichoke quiche is perfect to be served during festive meals or for a family lunch, bringing a piece of Italian gastronomic tradition to the table.
For those seeking a lighter version of artichoke quiche, it can be prepared without cream, substituting it with Greek yogurt or plant-based milk. This alternative maintains the creaminess of the filling while reducing the caloric content of the dish. Additionally, a whole wheat pastry base can be used to increase the nutritional value and make the preparation healthier. Even in this variant, the artichokes remain the stars, providing a good dose of fiber and nutrients. Serving this light quiche as a main dish accompanied by a green salad is an excellent choice for a summer lunch or for those wishing to maintain a balanced diet.
Artichokes are an ingredient rich in health benefits. They are known for their high fiber content, which promotes digestion and helps maintain a sense of fullness. Additionally, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to strengthening the immune system. A serving of artichoke quiche provides about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This dish is therefore an excellent choice for those who desire a tasty and nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor. Incorporating artichokes into the daily diet can also help keep cholesterol levels in check.
Yes, artichoke quiche can be frozen, but it is important to follow some simple guidelines to preserve its quality. It is advisable to freeze it after cooking, once completely cooled. This way, it prevents the texture from becoming rubbery upon thawing. To freeze, wrap the quiche in plastic wrap and then in a sheet of aluminum foil, to protect it from moisture. When you want to consume it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours and then reheat it in the oven to bring it back to an ideal temperature. This method allows you to enjoy artichoke quiche even after several weeks, without losing flavor and texture.