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This carrot and tuna quiche reinvents the traditional quiche concept by combining garden vegetables with seafood flavors. The colorful and hearty creation pairs freshly grated carrots with rich tuna, all wrapped in a crispy puff pastry for a delightful meal.
This quiche was created one autumn day in my kitchen while looking to use the last garden carrots. Adding tuna transformed a simple vegetable tart into a complete meal that has become a family favorite.
Essential Ingredients and Their Secrets
- Carrots: Choose firm, bright ones, preferably organic for better flavor
- Tuna: Use tuna in water which blends perfectly with other ingredients
- Puff pastry: All-butter pastry ensures superior flakiness
- Shallots: Their mild flavor works better than onions in this delicate dish
- Parsley: Freshly chopped for color and freshness
Detailed Instructions
- 1. Vegetable Preparation:
- - Thoroughly wash carrots under running water
- Carefully peel while preserving maximum flesh
- Finely grate for even cooking
- Gently squeeze to remove excess moisture - 2. Aromatic Base:
- - Peel and finely dice shallots
- Wash and thoroughly dry fresh parsley
- Finely chop parsley maintaining its bright color
- Mix shallots and parsley for the aromatic base - 3. Quiche Mixture:
- - Beat eggs in a large bowl until frothy
- Whisk in cream until smooth
- Flake tuna, removing any bones
- Add cumin, crushing between fingers to release flavor - 4. Assembly and Baking:
- - Carefully line pan with puff pastry
- Prick base thoroughly to prevent puffing
- Pour filling evenly over pastry
- Sprinkle grated cheese in an even layer
In my kitchen, this quiche represents the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. Even children who usually avoid vegetables enjoy the sweetness of carrots paired with comforting tuna.
The parsnip or celery root variation was discovered during an improvised cooking session when carrots were scarce. This fortunate experiment led to equally delicious new versions.
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Using shallots instead of onions provides subtlety without overpowering other flavors. Their characteristic sweetness perfectly complements both carrots and tuna, creating ideal flavor harmony.
The choice of grated cheese significantly influences the quiche's final character. Aged gruyere provides a pronounced salty note, while young comte offers more subtle flavor.
Slow baking allows flavors to fully develop. The 45-minute baking time is essential for achieving crispy pastry and perfectly tender vegetables.
This carrot and tuna quiche embodies refined simplicity in French family cooking. It demonstrates how seasonal ingredients can create a dish that satisfies both visually and in flavor.
The versatility makes it perfect for any occasion - a light lunch with green salad, an elegant picnic, or casual dinner with friends. Simple yet refined preparation impresses without stress.
Combining root vegetables and tuna provides perfect nutritional balance, rich in fiber and protein. It's an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into family meals while ensuring satisfaction.
Feel free to adapt this recipe using available seasonal vegetables. The key is maintaining the balance of textures and flavors that makes this versatile quiche so appealing.
Recipe Tips
- → How should I store this quiche?
- You can keep it in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven for the best taste.
- → Is it possible to freeze this quiche?
- Absolutely! It freezes well. Let it thaw in the fridge before warming up.
- → What’s a gluten-free option for this quiche?
- Swap the crust for a gluten-free pastry or homemade gluten-free base.
- → What other veggies can I try in this recipe?
- Mix it up by adding parsnips, zucchini, or celery root alongside the carrots.
- → What’s a good side to serve with this quiche?
- A fresh green salad or steamed seasonal veggies pair perfectly with it.