Ultimate quiche Lorraine

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4.

Step 2

For the pastry, sieve the flour into a mixing bowl. Add the butter, parmesan and thyme and rub into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Step 3

Add the egg yolk and the water and mix to form a firm dough. Wrap the dough in cling film and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 4

On a floured surface, roll out the pastry to fit one large flan tin. Line the tin with the pastry, then place a circle of baking paper over the pastry and fill with baking beans.

Step 5

Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and paper and return to the oven for five minutes.

Step 6

For the filling, place all the ingredients (except 50g/2oz of the Gruyère) into a large bowl and mix gently, to avoid filling the mixture with air.

Step 7

Spoon the filling into the pastry case and sprinkle the remaining Gruyère on top.

Step 8

Bake the quiche for 15 minutes, or until the filling is set. Serve hot or cold with a green salad.