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Quiche with Scallops and Leeks

17/11/2023

The quiche with scallops and leeks is a refined twist on the classic French quiche. We will take this base and add an Italian touch with a few suggestions. Here’s how you could prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients

  • 1 roll of shortcrust pastry (or, for a more Italian touch, puff pastry)
  • 200 g of scallops
  • 2 medium-sized leeks
  • 3 eggs
  • 200 ml of fresh cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil or butter for frying
  • A pinch of grated nutmeg
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for a touch of freshness)
  • Grated Parmesan (2 tablespoons, for an authentic Italian note)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Roll out the pastry in a quiche or tart pan, prick it with a fork and pre-bake, that is, cover it with parchment paper and dried beans, for about 10 minutes. This step pre-cooks the base to prevent it from becoming soggy later on.
  3. In the meantime, clean and thinly slice the leeks, then sauté them lightly in a pan with a drizzle of oil or a knob of butter until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the scallops to the leeks and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the fresh cream. Add nutmeg, chopped parsley, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Remove the dried beans and paper from the pan with the pastry, and distribute the sautéed leeks and scallops on the pastry base.
  7. Pour over the egg and cream mixture, leveling it well.
  8. Bake the quiche for about 25-30 minutes or until the surface appears golden and the quiche is well-set.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest a few minutes before serving.

This quiche is perfect for an elegant lunch or a refined dinner. You can accompany this dish with a nice glass of chilled white wine, perhaps a Chardonnay or Verdicchio, which pair very well with scallops.

Fun Facts

Scallops are highly prized in Italian cuisine, especially for their tenderness and delicate flavor which lends itself to many preparations, from pasta to risottos, to baked dishes like this quiche.

Quiche with Scallops and Leeks