Quiche

Quiche is a delightful French tart characterized by a pastry crust filled with a rich, savory custard and an array of flavorful ingredients like cheese, meat, seafood, or vegetables. The most renowned variety is quiche Lorraine, traditionally made with lardons or bacon. Whether served hot or cold, quiche has become a cherished dish worldwide.

The term "quiche" first appeared in French in 1805 and in the Lorraine dialect as early as 1605. The phrase "quiche Lorraine" was first recorded in English in 1925. While the exact origin of the word is uncertain, it might be derived from the German word "Kuchen" meaning "cake" or "tart."

Although quiche is synonymous with French cuisine, the combination of eggs and cream in pastry can be traced back to English and Italian recipes from the 13th and 14th centuries. Over time, quiche has evolved to include a variety of fillings, from vegetables to meats and seafood.

Quiche Lorraine, named after the Lorraine region in France, traditionally features eggs, cream, and lardons. In modern interpretations, especially in English-speaking countries, it often includes mature cheese and bacon. Beyond quiche Lorraine, countless other variations exist. Some are named descriptively in French, like quiche au fromage (cheese quiche) or quiche aux champignons (mushroom quiche). Others have more thematic names, such as florentine (spinach) or provençale (tomatoes).

Regardless of the variation, quiche remains a versatile and delicious dish enjoyed by many.