Creamy Welsh Leek and Cheese Pie
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Welsh Leek and Cheese Pie, a traditional dish that combines the earthy sweetness of leeks with a rich, creamy filling. Perfectly seasoned with fresh lemon and baked in a crispy pie crust, this savory pie makes a wonderful centerpiece for any meal and is sure to impress your guests. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, serve it warm with a side salad for a complete meal.
6
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Leeks
6 (Cleaned and chopped into 1-inch pieces)
Chicken Broth
1/2 cup (Boiled)
Lemon
1/2 (Juiced and zested)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Heavy Cream
1/4 cup (None)
Cottage Cheese or Cream Cheese
2 cups or 8 ounces (Softened)
Eggs
4 (Beaten)
Salt
to taste (None)
Pepper
to taste (None)
Fine Breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons (For dusting)
Pie Crust
1 (For an 8-inch pie plate)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Thoroughly clean the leeks, removing any dirt, and chop them into 1-inch pieces.
3
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter to a boil over medium heat.
4
Add the chopped leeks to the boiling mixture and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, until the leeks are tender.
5
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cottage cheese or cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
6
Stir in 1/2 cup of the cooking broth from the leeks into the cheese and egg mixture until well combined.
7
Pour the creamy mixture into the pan with the cooked leeks and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until thickened into a light cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Grease an 8-inch pie plate and dust it with fine breadcrumbs.
9
Line the prepared pie plate with the pie crust, fluting the edges as desired.
10
Pour the leek and cheese mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
12
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
13g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Welsh Leek and Cheese Pie?
It is a traditional savory dish that combines earthy leeks with a rich, creamy cheese filling inside a crispy pie crust.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 400 calories in each serving of this pie.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How many leeks are needed for this recipe?
You will need 6 leeks, cleaned and chopped into 1-inch pieces.
Can I use cream cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use either 2 cups of cottage cheese or 8 ounces of cream cheese.
How long does it take to bake the pie?
The pie takes approximately 40 minutes to bake.
What size pie plate is recommended?
The recipe is designed for an 8-inch pie plate.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The filling requires 4 beaten eggs.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
What type of broth is used to cook the leeks?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
How long should the leeks simmer in the broth?
Leeks should be cooked uncovered in the broth mixture for 12 to 15 minutes until tender.
Is lemon used in this recipe?
Yes, it uses the juice and zest of half a lemon to season the broth.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 24g of fat.
What are the carbohydrate levels?
There are 13g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of the breadcrumbs?
Fine breadcrumbs are used to dust the greased pie plate before lining it with crust.
How much heavy cream is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
Do I need to cook the filling on the stove before baking?
Yes, you simmer the creamy mixture with the cooked leeks for about 5 minutes until thickened before pouring into the crust.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Is salt and pepper included?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste during the simmering step.
Should the pie be served hot?
It is best enjoyed warm after cooling slightly.
How do I know the pie is done?
The top should be golden brown and the custard filling should be set.
How much broth is added back into the egg mixture?
You stir 1/2 cup of the cooking broth from the leeks into the cheese and egg mixture.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar?
The nutritional information provided indicates fiber and sugar levels are null or not specified.
What can I serve with this pie?
A fresh side salad is recommended for a complete meal.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include welsh leek pie, savory pie, creamy pie, leek recipes, savory pastry, cheese pie, comfort food, and vegetarian recipe.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, substituting vegetable broth would make this recipe fully vegetarian.
How should I prepare the pie plate?
Grease the 8-inch pie plate and dust it with 3 tablespoons of fine breadcrumbs.
Should the eggs be beaten before mixing?
Yes, the 4 eggs should be beaten before being mixed with the cheese and cream.
What kind of crust is needed?
One standard pie crust suitable for an 8-inch pie plate is required.