Flan de leche
Flan de leche is a popular dessert in Cuban cuisine. It is a traditional custard-style dessert that has been enjoyed throughout Latin America for many decades. This dessert is synonymous with comfort, warmth, and familiarity, and its creamy texture and mouth-watering sweetness are bound to leave you feeling satisfied.
Flan de leche is made by combining sugar, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggnog, and eggs. This mixture is poured into a cake tin that has been coated with caramelized sugar, which forms a delicious, sticky glaze. Once prepared, the flan is baked in the oven and then chilled in the fridge. It is adorned with whipped cream or fruit and can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert after a meal or as a mid-day snack.
The origin of flan goes back centuries to Europe, where custards have been enjoyed since the ancient Romans. Flan was introduced to Latin America by the Spanish conquistadors during the colonial period. In Cuba, flan quickly became a popular dessert, and many Cubans still enjoy this delicacy today.
The secret to making the perfect flan lies in the custard base. The texture of the flan is incredibly velvety and smooth, and its richness can be attributed to the combination of creamy ingredients used in the recipe. The creaminess of the evaporated milk and sweetness of the condensed milk are balanced perfectly with the eggnog and eggs, which provide an essential structure to the dessert.
Caramelizing the sugar for the glaze is also a crucial step in the recipe. The sugar needs to be heated in a saucepan until it turns golden brown and bubbles. Timing is critical when caramelizing the sugar, so it must be watched carefully. Once it reaches the ideal color and consistency, it should be poured into a cake tin to begin the flan-making process.
There are many variations of flan in Cuban cuisine. For instance, you can add a hint of cinnamon or sprinkle some grated coconut on top for extra flavor. Alternatively, you can mix in a tablespoon of rum or brandy into the custard for a grown-up twist. Whatever variation you choose, it is sure to be mouthwatering.
In conclusion, Flan de leche is a beloved dessert that has stood the test of time. Its velvety texture and sweet, caramel taste are irresistible to anyone who tries it. It is a traditional dish that has been passed down from generation to generation in Cuban cuisine, and its popularity doesn’t seem to be waning anytime soon. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to wow your dinner guests or a delightful treat for yourself, Flan de leche recipe should definitely be at the top of your list.
Ingredients:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a small saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over low heat until it turns into syrup and has a golden brown color. Be sure to stir continuously with a wooden spoon to avoid burning.
- Pour the syrup into an 8-inch round cake pan, tilting it to spread the syrup evenly along the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Pour the milk mixture into the pan over the syrup.
- Place the pan into a larger baking dish filled halfway with hot water (creating a water bath).
- Bake in the oven for about 50 minutes or until the flan is set (you can tell by inserting a toothpick in the center - if it comes out clean, it’s done).
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Once it’s cooled completely, run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan and invert it onto a serving plate.
- Serve the flan cold, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy Cuban flan!