If you have an orange and some milk at home, you’re in for a treat! This easy and delightful flan recipe is a twist on the classic, using just a few simple ingredients and no added sugar. It’s a great way to enjoy a creamy dessert that’s both satisfying and healthy. Let’s dive into this unique and tasty recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 large orange
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for natural sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Orange:
- Zest the Orange: Start by zesting the orange. Set the zest aside.
- Juice the Orange: Cut the orange in half and squeeze out the juice. You should get about 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice.
2. Prepare the Flan Mixture:
- Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix and Strain:
- Blend the Mixture: Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Strain: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into another bowl to ensure a smooth texture.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Pour Mixture: Pour the strained mixture into individual ramekins or a large flan dish.
5. Bake the Flan:
- Water Bath: Place the ramekins or flan dish in a larger baking pan. Fill the baking pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the flan is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Cool: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
- Serve: To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan and invert it onto a plate. Enjoy your creamy, citrusy flan!
Tips for Best Results
- Consistent Mixing: Make sure to whisk continuously when adding the warm milk to the egg mixture to avoid curdling.
- Smooth Texture: Straining the mixture before baking ensures a smooth and creamy flan.
- Optional Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly sweeter dessert, the addition of honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Conclusion
This simple and delicious flan recipe using orange and milk is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy dessert with minimal ingredients. It’s easy to make, naturally sweetened, and bursting with citrus flavor. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite way to enjoy flan. Happy cooking!
