I made coronation quiche, the royal recipe devised in honor of King Charles III, and I'm not convinced it'll become a national dish

Mia JankowiczApr 25, 2023, 22:17 IST

Coronation quiche, and the author crowning herself with a failed pastry crust.Insider

A new recipe — coronation quiche — was launched ahead of King Charles III's coronation next month.
I decided, as a quiche novice, to try to make it for myself.

Britain is gearing up for King Charles III to be crowned at Westminster Abbey on May 6.

As part of the celebrations, Buckingham Palace released a new recipe, known as coronation quiche.

The new recipe comes 70 years after Queen Elizabeth II's big day, when coronation chicken — a bright, tasty, curry-inspired affair – was introduced to the tastebuds of the world.

The Queen ate it as part of her coronation luncheon, and it soon became a national classic.

Charles may well be hoping to repeat the same success with coronation quiche, which features a subtle combination of Cheddar cheese, broad beans (fava beans in the US), tarragon and spinach, some of which are seasonal ingredients in the UK right now.

I dutifully set about testing out the recipe. After a few setbacks I managed a decent attempt — though I'd likely make a few adjustments next time around.

I found the taste springy, delicate and herby, but ultimately I'm not sure it will win many hearts.

Here's how coronation quiche is supposed to look when done by professionals.

A screenshot from The Royal Family's video demonstration of coronation quiche.The Royal Family/YouTube

My ingredients for making coronation quiche.

My ingredients for making coronation quiche.Insider

Coronation chicken was introduced during the coronation of the last monarch. Here's how it was served to the Queen in 2022.

The original coronation chicken recipe.Chris Radburn/Joe Giddens via Getty Images

Today you're more likely to find this gloopy, sweet, bright yellow version, for sale as a sandwich filling. It ain't subtle, but it's as good as ever.

A pot of coronation chicken sandwich filling.Insider

I get to work trying to create my pastry.

I turned this (L) into this (R).Insider

Then disaster struck.

Disaster strikes.Insider

Attempt No.2, I ended up with a nice ball of dough. I put it in the fridge for 45 minutes and mentally high-fived the King.

Finally I had some dough.Insider

I rolled this out in a circle, but even though it was thinner than the required 5mm, it still didn't seem big enough.

I'm a real baker now.Insider

Will my pastry attempt No.2 succeed – don't hold your breath.

Ok, I'm not.Insider

It was time to bring in the professionals.

Saved by store-bought pastry.Insider

Getting my filling ingredients ready.

Time for the fun part.Insider

I added a sprinkling of cheese, then the spinach and the beans, before pouring on the egg mix.

Layering it up.Insider

It was starting to look pretty delicious. Another sprinkle of cheese, and it went in the oven.

Just ready for more cheese.Insider

While I waited I decide to try on my failed pastry crust as a crown.

Crowning myself.Insider

It was finally time to take it out of the oven — I was pretty impressed with how it came out, and it smelled amazing.

It looks pretty good.Insider

I also made three little tarts using leftover ingredients.

I made three little tarts as well.Insider

When I finally sliced into the quiche, it was just the right amount of ooze — unctuous, not runny at all, and not spongy either.

A slice of coronation quiche.Insider

And it's finally time to taste.

Time to taste.Insider

Would I serve it to a monarch? Final thoughts.

The first slice gone.Insider

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