Creamy Lime Flan

Maltese Creamy Lime Flan Recipe with Jellies and Crème Fraîche

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Creamy Lime Flan is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lime with the creamy texture of yogurt and whipped cream. This refreshing treat is perfect for a hot summer day or as a light and satisfying end to a meal.

History

Flan is a traditional dessert that originated in Spain and has since become popular in many Latin American countries. The addition of lime to this classic recipe gives it a unique twist and adds a refreshing citrus flavor.

Ingredients

1.5 lime jellies
350 ml crème fraîche, quark or thick yogurt
25 cm flan case
1 pt double or whipping cream
a few drops of vanilla essence
juice and grated rind of 1 lime
caster sugar to taste
grated chocolate to decorate

How to prepare

Dissolve 1 jelly in 4 fl oz / 100 ml boiling water, then add 4 fl oz / 100 ml very cold water, and chill.
Dissolve the 0.5 jelly separately in 0.25 pt / 150 ml hot water and put in a small container to set.
When the whole jelly is cold, but not set, whisk until it becomes frothy and light.
Then whisk in the crème fraîche, quark or yogurt and chill until thickened.
Whisk again briefly and spoon into the flan case, on a serving plate.
Flatten the top and chill for 5 – 10 minutes.
Whip the cream very slightly with vanilla, rind, juice, and sugar to a soft consistency.
Spoon evenly over the jelly and chill.
Roughly chop 0.5 jelly and scatter around the edge of the topping.
Sprinkle the center with chocolate and serve.

Variations

Try using different flavors of jelly such as raspberry or orange for a unique twist.
Substitute the yogurt with coconut milk for a dairy-free version of this dessert.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to whisk the jelly until it becomes frothy and light to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Chill the flan in between each layer to allow it to set properly and prevent the layers from mixing together.

- Use a flan case with a removable bottom for easy serving and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Creamy Lime Flan chilled with a garnish of fresh lime zest and a sprinkle of grated chocolate on top for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Whisking the jelly until frothy and light is key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lime jelly, you can use lime juice and gelatin as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Creamy Lime Flan a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the Creamy Lime Flan with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dessert with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Creamy Lime Flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 9g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (yogurt, cream)

Summary

Creamy Lime Flan is a rich and creamy dessert that is high in fat and carbohydrates but also provides a good source of protein and vitamin C.

Summary

Creamy Lime Flan is a delicious and refreshing dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lime with the creamy texture of yogurt and whipped cream. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria's house. She had just returned from a trip to Mexico and was eager to share with me a recipe she had learned while she was there - Creamy Lime Flan.

Maria's eyes lit up as she described the decadent dessert, a smooth and creamy custard infused with the tangy flavor of fresh limes. She explained that it was a traditional dessert in Mexico, often served at special occasions and family gatherings. I could practically taste the sweet and tart combination just from her description.

As Maria recited the ingredients and steps to make the flan, I could feel my excitement building. I had always loved trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. The thought of making a Mexican dessert that was both unique and delicious was too tempting to resist.

After jotting down the recipe in my little notebook, I thanked Maria profusely and promised to give it a try soon. As soon as I got back home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen.

The first step was to make the caramel sauce, a mixture of sugar and water cooked until it turned a golden brown color. The smell of the caramelizing sugar filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Once the caramel was ready, I poured it into the bottom of a flan mold and set it aside to cool.

Next, I prepared the custard mixture, combining eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, fresh lime juice, and lime zest in a bowl. The scent of the lime zest mingling with the sweet milk was intoxicating. I poured the mixture over the cooled caramel in the mold, then placed it in a water bath to bake in the oven.

As the flan baked, my kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of limes and sugar caramelizing together. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. After the required baking time had passed, I carefully removed the flan from the oven and allowed it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to set.

The next day, I eagerly sliced into the creamy lime flan. The texture was perfectly smooth and silky, with a delicate hint of lime flavor that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't believe how delicious it was. Each bite was a burst of sweet and tangy goodness that had me going back for seconds and thirds.

From that moment on, Creamy Lime Flan became a staple in my dessert repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and any occasion that called for a special treat. Each time I served it, it garnered rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have continued to tweak and perfect the recipe, adding my own little twists and variations to make it truly my own. But the essence of the dish - the creamy texture, the zesty lime flavor, and the decadent caramel sauce - remains unchanged.

As I look back on that fateful day when Maria introduced me to Creamy Lime Flan, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey it has taken me on. It's amazing how a simple recipe can spark a passion for cooking and bring so much joy to those who taste it.

So here I am, sharing this beloved recipe with you, my dear grandchild. May it bring you as much happiness and deliciousness as it has brought me over the years. And who knows, maybe someday you'll pass it on to someone special in your life, just like Maria did for me. Bon appétit!