Quiche with wild garlic and bacon is culinary poetry that combines deep tradition with spring freshness. This delicious cake, originating from French cuisine, is true proof that some flavor combinations are eternal. It offers a perfect balance between richness and lightness, between the spiciness of bacon and the delicate, fresh taste of wild garlic. It’s a dish that can turn any occasion into a little celebration, whether it’s a weekend brunch, an elegant evening meal or part of a festive spring buffet.
The history of quiche dates back to the Middle Ages, to the area that today lies on the border between France and Germany. Originally, quiche was a simple baked cake with an egg and cream filling, but over time, its recipe expanded to include many variations. Among the most famous is the quiche Lorraine, which is enriched with pieces of bacon, but the world of quiche is endless in possibilities for customization and innovation.
The combination of wild garlic and bacon in quiche is a celebration of the best that food can offer. Wild garlic, a wild herb that only appears for a short time during spring, adds an unmistakable flavor and aroma to this traditional dish. Its subtle but distinctive garlic notes create a perfect contrast to the saltiness and rich flavor of the bacon. Enriched with the creamy texture of the egg and cream filling, this unique combination melts on the tongue, with every bite a reminder of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinarily delicious.
Making a wild garlic and bacon quiche isn’t just about cooking; it’s a ritual that guides you through the various stages of preparation – from creating the perfect, fragile crust, through the careful layering of ingredients, to the final baking until golden. This process is not only an experience for your senses, but also an opportunity to connect with traditional techniques while celebrating the arrival of spring.
Quiche with wild garlic and bacon is more than just a meal. It is a work of art that combines history with modernity, traditional with new, and makes every meeting at the table an unforgettable moment. It is a challenge not to be afraid to experiment and discover new tastes, and at the same time a reminder that some combinations are eternal precisely because of their perfect harmony.
Quiche recipe with wild garlic and bacon
Ingredients
Dough
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 g of cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2-4 tablespoons of ice water
Filling
- 150 g of bacon, cut into pieces
- 2 large handfuls of wild garlic, finely chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 200 ml of cooking cream
- 100 ml of milk
- 100 g of hard cheese (e.g. gruyère or cheddar), grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Procedure
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add the butter and work it into the flour with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water until the dough starts to hold together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and fry the chopped wild garlic in some of the fat until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Heat the oven to 180°C. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to a size that will fit your quiche tin (about 25cm in diameter). Transfer the dough to the mold, press it to the edges and remove the excess dough.
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cream, milk, salt and pepper and mix well. Add grated cheese, roasted wild garlic and bacon. Spread the mixture evenly over the dough in the form.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is firm and the surface is golden. Let the quiche rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Quiche with wild garlic and bacon questions and answers
What is wild garlic and where can I find it?
Wild garlic is a wild herb with a mild garlic smell that grows in shady forests in the spring. You can find it in the forests of Europe and Asia or at farmers markets during its season in the spring.
Can I replace wild garlic with regular garlic or another herb in the recipe?
Yes, if you don’t have access to wild garlic, you can use baby spinach or basil with one to two cloves of garlic added for a similar flavor.
How long should I bake the quiche?
You should bake the quiche for approximately 35-40 minutes at 180°C, or until the filling thickens and the surface acquires a golden color. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
Can I freeze the wild garlic and bacon quiche?
Yes, you can freeze a baked quiche. Allow quiche to cool completely before freezing, then wrap tightly in cling film or place in an airtight container. Before using, thaw the quiche in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven.
What cheeses are best for this recipe?
Gruyère, cheddar, or emmental are great options for this recipe, thanks to their rich flavor and good melting ability. You can also experiment with other types of cheese according to personal preference.
How do I know the quiche is done?
The quiche is ready when the filling hardens and the surface acquires a nice golden color. You can also use a skewer and poke it into the center of the quiche; if it comes out clean, the quiche is ready.
Is it necessary to wash wild garlic before use?
Yes, it is recommended to wash wild garlic thoroughly before use, especially if you have collected it in the wild, to remove any dirt or small insects.
