An Cooking

Pea mint and goats cheese quiche

My sons girlfriend is a vegetarian so when she visits I use this as an excuse to try out some new recipes (not that I need an excuse!). I saw this quiche recipe in Late Spring 2009 issue of BBC Easy Cook and thought it would be nice for lunch.

500g shortcrust pastry (I cheated and used frozen pastry)
300g frozen peas
3tbsp olive oil
handful of mint leaves, chopped
2 eggs
284mltub double cream
4 spring onions, finely sliced
200g mild goats cheese, crumbled

Turn the oven to fan 180C/conventional 200C/gas 6. roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a round about 5cm larger than a 25cm tart tin. use our rolling pin to lift it up, then drape over the tart case, so there is an overhang of pastry on the sides. Gently push the pastry into the corners of the tin. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.

While the pastry is chilling, cook the peas in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and refresh under cold water. Use a hand blender to puree the peas with the oil then stir in the mint and season.
Lightly prick the base of the tart with a fork, line the tart case with a large circle of greaseproof paper, then fill with baking beans. Bake the tart case for 20 minutes, remove the paper and beans, then continue to cook for 5-10 minutes until it is biscuit brown.
Meanwhile beat the eggs in a large bowl. Gradually add the cream and stir in the onions. Season.
When the case is cooked spoon and spread the peas over the base, pour over the egg mix, then scatter over the goats cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until set and golden brown, Leave to cool in the case, trim the edges of the pastry, then remove and serve in slices.