Orange flan

Orange Flan - A refined delicacy with a fresh flavor

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Orange flan is a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dessert that combines a smooth cream with the fresh flavor of citrus. This recipe brings a touch of sunshine to any meal, whether it's a festive lunch, a romantic dinner, or simply a night of indulgence. The origins of flan are lost in the mists of time, but its popularity has grown due to its velvety texture and delicate taste.

Ingredients:

- 2 oranges (one for zest and one for juice)
- 1 liter of milk (preferably whole for superior creaminess)
- 300 g sugar (divided: 150 g for the flan cream and 150 g for the orange syrup)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1-2 vanilla pods for a more intense flavor)
- 6 large eggs (fresh, from well-raised hens)

Step by step to a perfect flan:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the oranges well with a brush under warm water. This step is essential to remove pesticides and dirt. From one orange, remove the zest with a peeler, being careful not to take the white part, which will add a bitter taste. From the other orange, grate the zest to obtain the essential flavors.

2. Preparing the milk
In a saucepan, pour the milk and add the vanilla sugar and grated orange zest. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the milk reaches boiling point. Do not let it boil for too long to avoid losing the orange flavor. After boiling, strain the milk to remove the orange zest. This will become the base of your creamy flan.

3. Preparing the flan mixture
In another bowl, crack the 6 eggs and add 150 g of sugar. Use a whisk or mixer to beat the eggs until the sugar is completely dissolved. It is important to achieve a homogeneous mixture without sugar crystals. Then, slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to avoid coagulating the eggs. This step is crucial for obtaining a fine and creamy flan.

4. Baking the flan
Grease the non-stick molds with butter so that the flan does not stick. Pour the flan mixture into these molds. Place the molds in a deep baking tray and add a cup of cold water to the tray to create a bain-marie. This step will help the flan bake evenly. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tray with the flan inside. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the flan is firm to the touch but still slightly elastic.

5. Preparing the orange syrup
Meanwhile, for the orange syrup, blanch the orange zest in 100 ml of boiling water for two minutes. Then, remove the zest and squeeze the juice from the two oranges into the same water. Add the remaining 150 g of sugar and place the mixture over heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to obtain a light yet flavorful syrup. Let it cool.

6. Cooling the flan
After the flan is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Before removing it from the molds, use a knife to loosen the edges of the flan from the sides of the mold. Then, carefully invert the flan onto a flat plate. It should slide out easily. Pour the orange syrup over the flan and refrigerate for a few hours. The flan will become even tastier after cooling.

7. Serving the orange flan
To serve, cut the flan into portions and decorate with orange slices or fresh mint leaves. You can also add a teaspoon of whipped cream for a contrast of textures. This orange flan is perfect alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Useful tips:

- If you want an even more intense orange flavor, you can add a few drops of orange essence to the flan mixture.
- For a more exotic version, replace part of the milk with coconut milk.
- The flan can also be made with other citrus fruits, such as lemon or grapefruit, for a different twist.

Frequently asked questions:

1. My flan cracked during baking, why?
This can be due to too high a temperature or overbaking. Make sure to respect the baking time and temperature.

2. Can I use lactose-free milk?
Yes, lactose-free milk can be used without any problem, and the taste will be just as delicious.

3. How can I store the flan?
The flan keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days.

Nutrition:

Orange flan is a dessert option that contains protein from eggs, calcium from milk, and vitamin C from oranges. A serving of flan (approximately 150 g) has about 250 calories, making it a healthier choice compared to other fat-rich desserts.

This orange flan recipe is not just a dessert, but also a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation. Try it and enjoy every bite!