What’s in the Coronation Quiche and where does Coronation Chicken originate from?

Ready, Steady, Bake! If you are planning a coronation party or simply want to feel part of King Charles III’s coronation on May 6, then you might want to start perfecting the recipe for the Coronation Quiche!

In celebration of all the Coronation Big Lunches taking place over the weekend, the King and Queen Camilla have shared a recipe for the Coronation Quiche. On the royal website, it is described as “a deep quiche with a crisp, light pastry case and delicate flavours of Spinach, Broad Beans and fresh Tarragon. Eat hot or cold with a green salad and boiled new potatoes -perfect for a Coronation Big Lunch!"

Before I share with you the ingredients needed for the Coronation Quiche, let’s discuss the origin of Coronation Chicken (I myself am not a fan!). According to Cordon Bleu (a world leading culinary school), “the recipe ‘Poulet Reine Elizabeth’ now widely known as Coronation Chicken has been created by Le Cordon Bleu London to be served at the Coronation Luncheon in 1953.”

Now back to the Coronation Quiche Ingredients. 

Bakers, you will need the following ingredients:

Pastry

• 125g plain flour

• Pinch of salt

• 25g cold butter, diced

• 25g lard

• 2 tablespoons milk

• Or 1 x 250g block of ready-made shortcrust pastry

Filling

• 125ml milk

• 175ml double cream

• 2 medium eggs

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon

• Salt and pepper

• 100g grated cheddar cheese

• 180g cooked spinach, lightly chopped

• 60 g cooked broad beans or soya beans

You can find out in more detail about making the recipe on the royal website. Bear in mind you will also need 1 x 20cm Flan Tin, and the recipe serves 6 people.

According to Sky News, “Former Buckingham Palace chef Darren McGrady said the King’s choice came as no surprise because Charles ‘loves anything with eggs and cheese.’ Mr McGrady, who worked for the late Queen for 15 years, said he had made quiche for Charles many times.”

Following the news regarding the Coronation Quiche, some royal fans have hit out at the decision because of a national egg shortage. One fan took to social media to say "Let them eat quiche! No eggs on the shelves," whilst another one said: ""What? I love quiche and this makes me so happy. Only problem is the price of eggs but I suppose all food is pricey, so whatever."