Strawberry Flan Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
- For the Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch flan tin. Press the dough into the tin, trim the excess, and prick the base with a fork.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
- Make the Custard:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk until it begins to simmer.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled crust. Spread evenly and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
- Prepare the Topping:
- Arrange the halved strawberries on top of the chilled custard.
- In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and water until melted and smooth.
- Brush the warm jam over the strawberries to give them a glossy finish.
- Serve:
- Remove the flan from the tin, slice, and serve chilled.
Benefits:
- Rich in Nutrients:
- Strawberries are packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which is great for boosting the immune system and skin health.
- Eggs in the custard provide high-quality protein and essential amino acids.
- Good for Digestion:
- The fiber in strawberries helps with digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.
- Mood-Boosting:
- The combination of milk and eggs can contribute to a good mood due to their vitamin D and B-complex vitamins content.
- Antioxidant Properties:
- Strawberries contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Energy Boost:
- The combination of sugars and proteins in the flan provides a quick energy boost, making it a great dessert for an active day.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Strawberry Flan