Orange flan

Orange Flan

Discover the sweet and velvety indulgence of orange flan, a dessert that combines the fresh flavors of citrus with the creamy texture of a classic dish. This recipe is not only simple but also offers an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you want to impress guests at a festive meal or simply indulge in a special dessert, orange flan is the perfect choice.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 fresh oranges
- 1 liter of milk
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 6 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A dash of orange extract (optional, for a more intense flavor)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the oranges well. They will bring a vibrant flavor to your dessert, so make sure they are fresh. Grate the zest of one orange, being careful to avoid the white part, which can add a bitter taste to the dish.

2. Infusing the milk: In a saucepan, add 1 liter of milk, the orange zest, and the vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Wait until the milk begins to boil, then let it simmer for 10 minutes. This step is essential for allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.

3. Mixing the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the 6 eggs well with half of the powdered sugar (150 g). Whisk the mixture until it becomes frothy and uniform. This step will incorporate air into the mixture, giving the flan a beautiful texture.

4. Combining the ingredients: After the milk has infused, remove it from the heat. While continuously stirring, slowly pour the warm milk into the bowl with the eggs and sugar. This process is called tempering and prevents the eggs from curdling. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

5. Preparing the molds: Pour the flan mixture into small molds or a baking dish. Make sure the molds are heat-resistant and deep enough to hold the flan. Place the molds in a larger baking dish, filling the larger dish with hot water up to the middle of the molds. This "bain-marie" will help cook the flan evenly.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160°C and place the flan dish inside. Let them bake for about 1 hour or until they are firm in the center. You can check if they are ready by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.

7. Preparing the syrup: While the flan is baking, prepare the orange syrup. Squeeze the juice from the two oranges into a saucepan, add the remaining powdered sugar (150 g), and cook over low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly. If the syrup is too thick, you can add a bit of syrup from a can of oranges. Once the syrup has thickened, let it cool.

8. Cooling and serving: After the flan is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. When you are ready to serve, invert the flan onto a platter and pour the syrup over it. You can garnish with thin strips of orange peel, which you can obtain by blanching them in hot water for 2-3 minutes.

9. Serving suggestions: Orange flan pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Additionally, for a pleasant contrast, you can add some toasted almonds or nuts on top.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the eggs and milk are at room temperature before you start preparing. This will help the ingredients combine more easily.
- If you want an even more intense orange flavor, you can add a few drops of orange extract to the egg mixture.
- The flan can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days but is best served fresh.

Nutritional benefits: Orange flan provides a good dose of calcium from the milk, as well as vitamins from the oranges, such as vitamin C, which supports the immune system. It is a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the milk with a plant-based alternative? Yes, you can use almond or coconut milk, but make sure to choose one without added sugar.
- What can I do if I don’t have small molds? You can use a larger dish and cut the flan into servings after it has cooled.
- Will the flan have a strong egg taste? No, if you follow the correct steps for tempering the eggs, the egg flavor will be nearly imperceptible, leaving room for the flavors of orange and vanilla.

Surely, orange flan will become a family favorite. Try this simple and delicious recipe, and enjoy every bite!