Classic Shrimp and Cheese Quiche with Buttery Pastry

Seaman’s Quiche Recipe: A Classic from the Deep Blue

Dive into the rich, savory world of quiches with this cherished recipe from Sonde Off, the employee magazine of Schlumberger Well Services, dating back about 25-30 years. This delightful quiche, brimming with succulent shrimp, a medley of cheeses, and a hint of Tabasco, promises a delectable blend of flavors encased in a buttery pastry shell. Ideal for any meal, it brings a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to your dining table. Perfect for brunches, light dinners, or as a star dish at gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Buttery Pastry Shell:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water (enough to form a dough)

For the Quiche Filling:

• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 7 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (or to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Prep Time: 25 minutes (not including chilling time for dough)
• Cook Time: 50 minutes

Instructions:

Prepare the Buttery Pastry Shell:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cut butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.

2. Form the Dough:
   Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. You may not need all the water; add just enough to form the dough into a ball.

3. Chill the Dough:
   Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step ensures the dough is easier to roll out and results in a flaky crust.

4. Roll Out the Dough:
   Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-10 inch glass pie plate. Carefully transfer the dough to the plate, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess.

5. Pre-Bake the Shell:
   Prick the bottom and sides of the pastry shell with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let the shell cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Quiche Filling:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté until they are tender and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Whisk the Eggs and Milk:
   In a large bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Gradually whisk in the hot half-and-half until smooth. Stir in the Tabasco sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Quiche:
   Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the bottom of the partially baked pastry shell. Scatter the chopped shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, and green onions on top of the cheese.

4. Pour the Egg Mixture:
   Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture over the cheese and vegetables in the shell, ensuring an even distribution.

5. Bake the Quiche:
   Return the quiche to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the quiche to stand for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the filling set properly and makes for cleaner slices.

Serving Suggestions:

This Seaman’s Quiche pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some fresh fruit. It’s perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or even a delightful dinner. The combination of cheeses and shrimp gives it a rich, satisfying flavor, while the buttery pastry shell provides a crisp, flaky contrast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 208.8
• Fat Content: 12.1 g
• Saturated Fat: 5.9 g
• Cholesterol: 229.7 mg
• Sodium Content: 239.4 mg
• Carbohydrates: 4.8 g
• Fiber Content: 0.5 g
• Sugar Content: 3.4 g
• Protein Content: 20.1 g

Enjoy this timeless recipe that brings a touch of history to your kitchen. With its blend of cheeses and shrimp, Seaman’s Quiche offers a delicious and memorable dish that’s sure to be a hit at any table! 🌟🥧🍤