If you’ve got an orange and some milk in your kitchen, you’re just a few steps away from making a delicious and refreshing flan! This version of the classic flan recipe is lighter, naturally sweetened, and full of citrusy goodness. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started with this easy and unique flan recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 large orange
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of natural sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Orange:
- Zest the Orange: Start by zesting the orange to get the aromatic peel. Set the zest aside for later.
- Juice the Orange: Cut the orange in half and squeeze out the juice. You should get about 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice.
- Make 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 as soon as it’s hot.
- 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.
- Mix and Strain:
- Blend the Mixture: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Strain the Mixture: To ensure a silky smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into another bowl.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Pour the Mixture: Pour the strained flan mixture into individual ramekins or a large flan dish, whichever you prefer.
- Bake the Flan:
- Water Bath: Place the ramekins or flan dish in a larger baking pan. Fill the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake: Bake the flan in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the flan is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 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 fully chilled.
- Serve: To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan and carefully invert it onto a plate. Enjoy your creamy, citrusy flan!
Tips for Best Results:
- Consistent Mixing: Be sure to whisk continuously when adding the warm milk to the egg mixture to prevent curdling.
- Smooth Texture: Straining the mixture before baking helps ensure your flan will have a smooth, creamy texture.
- Optional Sweetness: If you like a sweeter dessert, the addition of honey or maple syrup adds a natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Conclusion
This simple, healthy flan recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional version, using fresh orange and milk for a light and refreshing dessert. With minimal ingredients and no added sugar, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a creamy treat that’s naturally sweetened. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with citrus flavor. Enjoy!