LEEK CHEESE QUICHE RECIPES

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
2. Grease a large 25cm by 35cm roasting tray with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat with a fork.
3. Layer the filo sheets into the tray, laying one sheet horizontally, and the next vertically, repeating as you layer, brushing a little of the egg between each sheet. (Make sure they cover the base of the tray and go up the sides so it can contain the filling.) Add a final brush to the last layer and scrunch up any excess pastry that hangs over.
4. Finely slice the spring onions and add to the bowl. Coarsely grate the Cheddar cheese (reserving a little for the top) and the courgette, then add them to the bowl. Break the broccoli into florets, then thinly slice and add to the bowl. Season to perfection with sea salt and black pepper, then mix together.
5. Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared pastry case, spreading it out so it’s in an even layer, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
6. Cook for 35 minutes, on the bottom of the oven, until the pastry is golden and the filling is set.

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4.
2. Trim and finely slice the leeks, then sautée with a splash of oil until soft and sticky.
3. Chop the bacon, then fry in a separate pan until golden. Coarsely grate the cheese.
4. Whisk together the eggs, then stir through the cheese, milk, leeks, bacon and a good pinch of seasoning.
5. Place the pastry case onto a baking sheet, then pour the mixture into the case and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden.
6. Delicious served with a mixed green salad.

Chilling time: 15 minutes / Cook time: 1 ½ hours, plus resting

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/Gas 6 and grease the tin with butter.

2. To make the pastry, measure the flour and butter into a food processor and whizz until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the beaten egg and water and whizz into a smooth ball of dough. Alternatively, rub the flour and butter together in a mixing bowl with your fingertips before adding the egg and water.

3. Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured work surface to a disc slightly larger than the tin and about the thickness of a £1 coin. Carefully transfer the pastry to the tin and press it into the base and sides. Form a little lip around the edges of the tin, trim off any excess and prick the base with a fork. Place in the fridge to chill for about 15 minutes.

4. Line the pastry case with baking paper and baking beans and bake blind in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and paper and return to the oven for a further 5–10 minutes or until just cooked and pale golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/160C fan/Gas 4.

5. Meanwhile, make the filling. Heat the oil in a wide-based frying pan, add the leeks and celery and fry over a high heat for 2–3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid and simmer for 20–25 minutes or until the vegetables are completely tender. Take off the lid, then increase the heat and fry for another minute to drive off any excess liquid. Remove the pan from the heat.

6. Beat the eggs and cream together in a jug and season with salt and pepper.

7. Spoon the cooked leeks and celery into the pastry case, scatter with the cheese and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Pour over the egg and cream mixture.

8. Bake in the oven for about 35–40 minutes or until golden brown and just set on top (see tip). Leave for 5–10 minutes to rest before turning out.

Prepare Ahead:

Can be made up to 8 hours ahead and reheated. The pastry base can be cooked up to a day ahead.

Freeze:

Both the cooked tart and the unfilled pastry base freeze well.

Mary’s Classic Tip:

* Check the tart halfway through cooking and if it is browning on one side more than the other, turn it around on the oven shelf.