Savory Asparagus Flan with Cheese Sauce: A Delightful Vegetable Dish
This delectable savory flan showcases the rich and intense flavor of asparagus, resulting in a dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Its texture is wonderfully tender and smooth, devoid of any egginess, making it a perfect addition to your vegetable repertoire. Originally shared by the culinary enthusiast Mean Chef, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests alike. With a preparation time of approximately 25 minutes and a total cooking time of just over an hour, this elegant flan is well worth the effort and can serve up to eight people.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings |
| Description | Savory flan with intense asparagus flavor, smooth texture |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 182.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 185 mg |
| Sodium | 583.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugars | 4.9 g |
| Protein | 12.5 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | cups asparagus (fresh) |
| 4 | large eggs |
| 1 1/3 | cups milk |
| 2 | tablespoons parmigiano-reggiano cheese |
| 1 1/4 | teaspoons salt |
| 1/2 | teaspoon black pepper |
| 1/8 | teaspoon nutmeg |
| 1/4 | cup fontina cheese |
| 1/2 | tablespoon butter |
| 2 | tablespoons butter (for greasing) |
| 1 | serving plate (for serving) |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Flan Mixture:
Begin by positioning the oven rack in the center and preheating your oven to 325°F (approximately 163°C). While the oven is heating, take an 8- by 2-inch round cake pan and generously butter it. To ensure easy removal of the flan later, line the bottom of the pan with a round piece of wax paper, followed by another light coating of butter on the paper. -
-
Steam the Asparagus:
In a steamer basket set over a pot of boiling water, steam the asparagus, covering it with a lid, until it becomes very tender. This process should take about 6 to 8 minutes, after which you will need to transfer the asparagus to a food processor. -
Blend the Asparagus:
Once the asparagus is cool enough to handle, purée it in the food processor until it reaches a smooth consistency, which should take around 1 to 2 minutes. You will end up with approximately 2 cups of asparagus purée. -
Combine the Flan Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until well combined. After achieving a uniform mixture, gently whisk in the asparagus purée, ensuring that all ingredients are thoroughly integrated. -
Bake the Flan:
Pour the asparagus mixture into the prepared cake pan. To create a water bath, place the pan into a larger baking dish filled with hot water, ensuring that the water reaches halfway up the sides of the flan pan. Bake in the preheated oven until the flan is set, which typically takes between 50 minutes to 1 hour. To check for doneness, insert a wooden pick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean. -
Cool the Flan:
Once baked, carefully transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. -
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
While the flan cools, you can prepare the cheese sauce. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a metal bowl and place it over a pan of barely simmering water. Gently heat the sauce while whisking continuously until the cheese and butter have melted. Then, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it slightly thickens and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (approximately 74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. This should take around 5 to 8 minutes. -
Serve the Flan:
After cooling, run a thin knife around the edge of the flan to loosen it from the pan. Invert a serving plate over the pan and carefully flip the flan onto the plate. Gently remove the pan and discard the wax paper. Cut the flan into wedges and serve immediately, drizzling the warm cheese sauce over each slice.
Enjoy Your Asparagus Flan
This Asparagus Flan with Cheese Sauce is not only a stunning centerpiece for your dining table but also a testament to the versatility of vegetables in creating sophisticated dishes. The combination of asparagus with rich cheeses offers a flavorful experience that can elevate any meal, whether served as a main course or as a delightful side dish. Enjoy this culinary adventure with loved ones, and watch as they are impressed by the exquisite taste and presentation of this exceptional dish.
