Coronation Quiche Recipe

Experience the delectable Coronation Quiche, a creative take on the classic quiche, infused with the aromatic spices and inviting textures reminiscent of the beloved Coronation chicken.

This quiche combines creamy, curried chicken filling with a crispy crust, making it a perfect dish for brunches, parties, or a cozy meal at home.

Here’s how to make your very own Coronation Quiche.

Ingredients

For the pastry:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup slivered almonds
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)

Serves:

6 to 8 people

Instructions

Prepare the crust:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Water: Gradually add ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly until the dough is just right.
3. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the filling:

4. Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they are soft and translucent.
5. Add Spices: Stir in curry powder and turmeric, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
6. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked onion and garlic mixture with shredded chicken, raisins, almonds, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt.

Assemble and bake:

7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough from the edges.
9. Add Filling: Spoon the chicken mixture into the crust.
10. Mix Eggs and Milk: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this over the chicken mixture in the crust.
11. Bake: Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
12. Cool and Serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before garnishing with chopped fresh coriander. Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Coronation Quiche

• Pre-baking the crust: For an even crispier crust, consider pre-baking (blind baking) the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
• Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add chopped celery or apple for an extra crunch and a hint of sweetness.

This Coronation Quiche recipe brings a unique combination of flavors and textures that are sure to delight any palate. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply looking for a new recipe to spice up your meal rotation, this quiche is a perfect choice.

Enjoy the creamy, curried chicken encased in a flaky, buttery crust—a truly royal treat!

Healthier Alternative for this recipe

To make a healthier version of the Coronation Quiche, you can adjust some ingredients to reduce calories, fats, and sugars, while still keeping the delightful flavors.

Here are some suggestions for a healthier alternative:

Ingredients Adjustments:

1. Pastry Crust:

• Swap for Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content.
• Reduce Butter: Cut down on butter or use a mixture of butter and plain Greek yogurt to reduce saturated fats.

2. Filling:

• Lean Protein: Opt for lean chicken breast, or even substitute with turkey breast, which is lower in fat.
• Low-Fat Dairy Products: Use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt and replace mayonnaise with a low-fat version or additional Greek yogurt to cut down on calories and fats.
• Increase Vegetables: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and green peas to boost the nutrient content and fiber, which can also help in feeling full longer.

3. Egg Mixture:

• Use Egg Whites: Consider using more egg whites than whole eggs or a mixture of one whole egg with additional egg whites to reduce cholesterol and fat content.
• Low-Fat Milk: Swap full-fat milk for skim or 1% milk.

Cooking Adjustments:

• Bake or Grill Chicken: Instead of using pre-cooked or store-bought chicken which might contain added fats and salts, bake or grill the chicken at home with minimal oil and salt.
• Spices: Maintain a good level of spices as they contribute to the flavor without adding calories. You might want to experiment with adding additional herbs and spices to enhance flavors without the need for extra salt or fat.

Additional Tips:

• Portion Control: Serve smaller portions if the quiche is part of a larger meal, or complement it with a large, leafy green salad dressed with a vinaigrette.
• Blind Bake the Crust: To prevent a soggy crust, especially when using whole wheat flour, consider blind baking the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps it to start firming up without the moisture from the filling.

By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of the Coronation Quiche that maintains its delightful taste and texture while aligning better with health-conscious dietary choices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Coronation Quiche involves several steps where careful attention can help avoid common mistakes. Here are some key errors to watch out for to ensure your quiche turns out perfectly:

1. Overworking the Dough

• Mistake: Handling the dough too much can lead to a tough pastry crust.
• Solution: Mix the dough just until it comes together. It’s okay if it looks a bit shaggy before chilling.

2. Skipping the Dough Chilling

• Mistake: Not chilling the dough enough can make it difficult to work with and can affect the flakiness of the crust.
• Solution: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up, which helps create a flaky crust.

3. Underseasoning the Filling

• Mistake: The filling can taste bland if not properly seasoned, especially given the robust flavors expected from the curry elements.
• Solution: Taste the chicken mixture before adding it to the crust and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed.

4. Overfilling the Pie Crust

• Mistake: Adding too much filling can cause it to overflow during baking, leading to a soggy crust.
• Solution: Fill the crust to just below the rim, leaving room for the egg mixture, which will set during baking.

5. Uneven Baking

• Mistake: The bottom of the quiche can remain soggy if not baked properly.
• Solution: Consider pre-baking (blind baking) the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Also, placing the baking dish on a preheated baking sheet can help evenly cook the bottom.

6. Not Allowing the Quiche to Set

• Mistake: Cutting into the quiche too soon after baking can cause it to fall apart.
• Solution: Let the quiche rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows it to set properly and makes slicing much easier.

7. Using Low-Quality Ingredients

• Mistake: Using low-quality mayonnaise, yogurt, or chicken can impact the flavor and texture of the filling.
• Solution: Opt for good-quality mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for the best creaminess and flavor. Also, use freshly cooked chicken rather than canned or overly processed alternatives.

By avoiding these common mistakes, your Coronation Quiche should come out with a beautifully flaky crust and a deliciously creamy, flavorful filling.

History of Coronation Quiche

The Coronation Quiche is a delightful culinary twist on the traditional British dish known as Coronation Chicken, which itself has a rich history tied to the British monarchy.

Here’s a brief look at its evolution:

Origin of Coronation Chicken

Coronation Chicken was created in 1953 by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume, who were asked to prepare a dish for the foreign guests attending Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation luncheon.

The dish they came up with was a cold chicken salad in a creamy, curried mayonnaise dressing, which was both exotic and suitable for the occasion. It quickly became popular in Britain as a celebration dish and remains a staple at various events.

Evolution into Coronation Quiche

The idea of transforming the iconic flavors of Coronation Chicken into a quiche is a relatively modern culinary innovation, likely inspired by the growing trend to reinterpret classic dishes into new forms.

Quiches, with their versatile nature, provide an excellent base for incorporating the creamy, spicy flavors of Coronation Chicken.

Cultural Significance

The transition of Coronation Chicken into quiche form represents a blend of culinary traditions, combining the classic French quiche with a uniquely British flavor. This fusion reflects the modern, multicultural identity of Britain today, embracing global influences while celebrating traditional tastes.

Coronation Quiche captures the essence of its precursor while offering a warm, satisfying dish suitable for various dining occasions, from casual brunches to formal gatherings.

FAQs about Coronation Quiche

What is Coronation Quiche?

Answer: Coronation Quiche is a savory pie that combines the flavors of Coronation Chicken—a dish made with precooked chicken, herbs, spices, and a creamy sauce—with the traditional structure of a quiche. It features a flaky pastry crust filled with a curried chicken mixture and a custard-like egg and milk blend.

Can I make Coronation Quiche in advance?

Answer: Yes, Coronation Quiche can be made in advance. You can prepare and refrigerate the crust and filling separately a day before. Assemble and bake the quiche the day you plan to serve it. Alternatively, you can bake the quiche completely, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Is Coronation Quiche suitable for freezing?

Answer: Yes, Coronation Quiche freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use store-bought crust for this recipe?

Answer: Absolutely. Using a store-bought pie crust can save time and still yield delicious results. Just make sure to choose a high-quality crust, and follow the baking instructions as some may require pre-baking.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Coronation Quiche?

Answer: Coronation Quiche pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Light salads, such as a green leafy salad or a cucumber salad, complement the richness of the quiche. For a heartier meal, you could serve it with roasted vegetables or a soup.

Can I make this quiche vegetarian?

Answer: While traditional Coronation Quiche includes chicken, you can create a vegetarian version using chickpeas or paneer as a substitute for the chicken. Adjust the spices according to the substitute to maintain the flavor profile.

How do I know when the quiche is done baking?

Answer: The quiche is done when the filling is set and the top is slightly golden. A good check is to insert a knife or a skewer in the center of the quiche; it should come out clean. Also, the quiche should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

These FAQs offer a comprehensive guide to preparing, serving, and storing Coronation Quiche, ensuring that even those new to baking quiches can approach the recipe with confidence.