Don't worry, these mini buffet quiche are totally dairy free, egg free, vegan and gluten free! The mature 'Cheese' flavour comes from nutritional yeast and a few other tricks to get that wonderful umami flavour we all crave. Filled with different savoury flavours to cut into bite-size pieces perfect for any party table or canapé. Lots of flavour combo ideas included in this simple free from recipe.This recipe makes 2x20cm quiche or 4x10cm quiche
In a large bowl measure the flour and 'butter' and using your fingers tips or a pastry blender, work the two together until you have a crumble mixture.
Stir the nutritional yeast flakes, seasoning and ground flaxseed into the dry crumble then add the tablespoons of water.
Next, using a rounded knife, cut through the mixture until it starts to clump together. Tip this lumpy/dry mixture onto a clean kitchen surface.TOP TIP: no need to flour the surface, this will help with kneading.
Bring the crumbly mixture together with your hands and quickly roll into a ball. Pop into the fridge to chill, this will prevent shrinkage when it comes to baking.
Prepare the base filling
In a frying pan, fry the diced onions to the colour you desire, I love to brown mine off to get a lovely caramelised flavour. Set aside to cool slightly.
In the bowl you used for your pastry, crumble up the firm tofu into thumbnail size pieces, then do the same with the 'cheese'.
Now add the yeast flakes, mustard powder, psyllium husk (this helps to bind the ingredients), Henderson's Relish and salt and pepper. Give the mixture a stir.
Next drain the silken tofu and add this to the bowl along with the warm fried onions. Give the mixture a good stir to blend all the ingredients. Set aside while you make your pastry case.
To add the flavours
Now you need to portion your base into 2 or more bowls to add your flavours. Simply add a tablespoon or two of pesto/sundried tomato paste and decorate with a suitable topping.
To make the pastry case
Pre heat oven to 200°C | 180°C fan | 400°F | Gas 6
Remove the dough from the fridge and give it a quick knead. Roll out onto a floured surface to prevent it sticking. You need to roll to 0.5cm thick and wide enough to line a 2x20cm or 4x10cm fluted/round flan tin(s).
Gently line the tin(s). Do not worry if the pastry cracks, it possibly will, mine did but you can't tell in the pictures can you!TOP TIP: to mend cracks simply push the pastry together and with a finger dipped in water seal the crack. For larger cracks take some excess pastry and add a 'pastry plaster' to the crack just remember to use a little fingertip dab of water as a glue.
Once you've lined, trimmed and sorted out any cracks, prick the bottom with a fork to encourage an even bake.
Now cover the pastry case(s) in baking paper and add the baking beans.TOP TIP: screw a piece of baking paper up into a tight ball and then open back up again, this will make the paper much easier to mould to the shape of your pastry case.
Place the tin(s) on a baking sheet and bake in the oven blind for 10 mins. Then remove from oven and take out the paper and baking beans.
To fill the quiche and bake
Begin to spoon the different quiche fillings into the blind baked pastry cases. Using the back of the spoon, gently press the filling into all the edges.
Decorate with your choice of toppings; spring onions/chopped chives/halved cherry tomato's...
Lastly, brush the quiche filling and the tops of the pastry crust with the 'milk' alternative of your choice. Use all the milk recommended to fill in the gaps in the quiche filling. Place back on the baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes
To get the golden caramelised finish I cook for a further 5 mins under a hot grill, being careful not to burn and rotating the tin if necessary.
Cool completely before cutting into party-sized servings (if making ahead) or cut immediately if eating from fresh.