Creamy Broccoli Flan with Goat Cheese Sauce

Broccoli Flan with Goat Cheese Sauce

Category: Appetizers
Serves: 10

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Broccoli:
   Start by cleaning the broccoli. Separate the florets from the stalks and rinse them thoroughly. Set the florets aside and peel the stalks, cutting them into pieces. Boil the broccoli in a large pot of salted water until tender. Once cooked, drain and allow the broccoli to rest in a colander to eliminate excess water.

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2. Making the Broccoli Purée:
   Using a food mill or a vegetable masher, pass the cooked broccoli through to create a smooth purée. Set it aside, and turn off the heat.

3. Making the Béchamel Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, melt 30g of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a roux. Gradually add 250ml of whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the béchamel sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, fine salt, and white pepper to taste.

4. Mixing the Ingredients:
   To the broccoli purée, add the béchamel sauce and the grated Grana Padano cheese. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

5. Preparing the Molds:
   Butter individual baking molds generously to ensure the flans release easily. Spoon the broccoli mixture into the molds, packing it lightly to ensure they are filled evenly.

6. Baking the Flans:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the molds in a deep baking dish. Pour water into the baking dish until it reaches about one-third of the height of the molds. This will create a water bath (bain-marie) for gentle, even cooking. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the flans are firm and set.

7. Making the Goat Cheese Sauce:
   While the flans are baking, prepare the goat cheese sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the goat cheese with a splash of whole milk. Heat gently, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.

8. Cooling the Flans:
   Once the flans are cooked, remove them from the oven and carefully take them out of the water bath. Using tongs or oven mitts, dip the molds into a bowl of cold water for a few seconds to cool them rapidly. This will help the flans set and make them easier to remove from the molds.

9. Serving the Flans:
   Carefully flip the molds onto serving plates, gently tapping them to release the flans. Pour the warm goat cheese sauce over the top of each flan. Garnish with reserved broccoli florets for a decorative touch.

10. Enjoy:
    Serve immediately while the flans are still warm, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this unique appetizer.

These broccoli flans with goat cheese sauce are an elegant and delicious dish that can easily be prepared ahead of time. The rich goat cheese sauce complements the soft, velvety texture of the broccoli, making it a delightful starter for any special occasion or dinner party.