Broccoli Flan

Broccoli Flan Recipe - Vegetarian Food from United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Broccoli flan is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of broccoli with a creamy egg and milk mixture, all encased in a crispy pastry crust. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

History

The origins of broccoli flan are not well-documented, but flans in general have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The combination of eggs, milk, and vegetables in a pastry crust is a classic dish that has been adapted and modified over the years to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

plain flour - 175 g (6 oz)
porridge oats - 50 g (2 oz)
butter - 110 g (4 oz) diced
broccoli - 350 g (12 oz)
eggs - 3
milk - 300 ml

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F / Gas 6.
In a bowl, combine the flour and oats. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add enough cold water to bind the mixture together and form a firm dough.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough and use it to line a 23 cm (9 inches) flan dish.
Bake the crust blind for 10-15 minutes, until set but not too brown.
Reduce the oven temperature to 190°C / 375°F / Gas 5.
Roughly chop the broccoli, then cook it in boiling water until just tender.
Drain the broccoli well and arrange it in the flan case.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Pour the egg mixture into the flan case, making sure the broccoli is covered.
Bake at 190°C / 375°F / Gas 5 for about 40 minutes, until lightly set.
Serve the dish warm.

Variations

Add some grated cheese to the egg mixture for a cheesy broccoli flan.
Substitute the broccoli with other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Add some cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version of the flan.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the broccoli until just tender, as overcooking can result in a mushy texture.

- Blind baking the crust before adding the filling helps to ensure that the pastry stays crisp and doesn't become soggy.

- Whisking the eggs and milk together thoroughly before pouring over the broccoli ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

- Allow the flan to cool slightly before serving, as this will help the filling to set and hold its shape.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli flan can be served with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a light vinaigrette dressing or a dollop of sour cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

Blind baking the crust before adding the filling helps to ensure that the pastry stays crisp and doesn't become soggy. Cooking the broccoli until just tender ensures that it retains its bright green color and fresh flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have porridge oats, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute. You can also use a store-bought pastry crust instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pastry crust and cook the broccoli ahead of time, then assemble the flan and bake it when ready to serve. Leftover flan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the broccoli flan with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Broccoli flan pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or a sparkling water with a twist of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover broccoli flan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the flan in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of broccoli flan contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of broccoli flan contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of broccoli flan contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of broccoli flan contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Broccoli is a rich source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and fiber. This dish also provides calcium and iron from the milk and eggs.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Broccoli flan is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Summary

Broccoli flan is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. With a crispy pastry crust, creamy egg and milk filling, and tender broccoli, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Broccoli Flan. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and I was always eager to learn from her.

One summer day, she invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special dinner for the family. As we worked side by side, she shared stories of where she had learned each of the recipes we were making that day. But when we came to the Broccoli Flan, she hesitated.

"This recipe is a bit different," she explained. "I learned it from a dear friend who traveled to France and brought it back with her. It's a unique twist on a traditional dish, and I think you'll love it."

I watched with wide eyes as she carefully mixed the ingredients together, explaining each step as she went along. The smell of the broccoli and cheese baking in the oven was mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the timer went off and we pulled the Broccoli Flan out of the oven, it was a beautiful sight. The golden crust was perfectly crisp, and the creamy filling oozed with cheesy goodness. I took my first bite and was instantly hooked. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Broccoli Flan. I experimented with different variations, adding my own twist here and there until I had created a version that was truly my own. And as I continued to make it for family gatherings and special occasions, it became a beloved staple in our household.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing it down from generation to generation. Each time I made it, I thought of my grandmother and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking. And as I watched my own grandchildren gather around the table, eager to taste the Broccoli Flan I had made, I knew that I had truly mastered the art of this delicious dish.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on all the memories and moments that have gone into perfecting this recipe, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons my grandmother taught me all those years ago. Her passion for cooking inspired me to explore new flavors and techniques, and her love and guidance have shaped me into the cook I am today.

So as I prepare to pass on this recipe for Broccoli Flan to the next generation, I do so with a heart full of love and gratitude. I hope that they will cherish it as much as I have, and that it will bring them as much joy and connection as it has brought me over the years.

And as they take their first bite of this delicious dish, I know that my grandmother is smiling down on us, proud of the legacy she has left behind. For in every bite of Broccoli Flan, there is a piece of her spirit and love that will live on forever.