Leek and Goats Cheese Quiche

Leek and Goats Cheese Quiche Recipe (Vegetarian)

Ingredients (serve 4 to 6 people)

30g unsalted butter

500g leeks (cut in julienne - see image below)

50ml white wine

6 free range eggs

100ml pouring cream

salt, pepper

200g cubed fresh goat cheese (2cm cubes - the one I used is the Irish St Tola goat cheese log)

For the dough (350g)

200g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)

100g cold butter (diced)

50g cold water

1 pinch salt

1. To make the dough, put the flour, salt and butter in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until you get a fine crumb. Make a well in the centre and pour in the cold water. Knead the ingredients together to shape the dough, flatten it and wrap in clingfilm. Leave to rest in the fridge for at least one hour.

2. Preheat the oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan).

Put a large saucepan over a medium heat and put the butter in. When it has melted, add in the leek julienne and stir well. Pour in the white wine and stir. Cover the saucepan and cook for 5 minutes (stir every now and then). Uncover and cook for another 5 minutes until the leeks are nice and soft and there is practically no liquid left. Set aside uncovered to cool down a bit.

3. Take the dough out, knead it gently with the heel of your hand. Dust a large flat surface with buckwheat flour. Roll out the dough (about 3 or 4 mm thick) and line a large tart tin (30cm diameter and 3cm high - if possible with a removable bottom) with it. Prick the dough with a fork and set aside.

4. Beat the eggs together in a small salad bowl. Add the cream, salt and pepper, and mix well. Line the bottom of the dough with the softened leeks. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the leeks. Scatter the cubed goat cheese all over the mixture.

Put the dish on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes (until the egg mixture is all cooked through and the top of the quiche is lightly golden).

Slide the quiche onto a large plate or a board to slice it. Serve with a lovely seasonal salad.

Bon appétit!