Pea Flan

The pea flan is a delicate and tasty dish, a kind of soft savory cake that can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish. Here is the recipe for preparing an Italian-style pea flan.

Ingredients

• 500 g of fresh or frozen peas
• 2 whole eggs
• 100 ml of fresh cream
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for greasing the molds
• Breadcrumbs to taste (optional)

Preparation

1. If you are using fresh peas, remove the pods and blanch them for a few minutes in lightly salted water, then drain and submerge them in ice water to preserve the color. If using frozen peas, you can cook them directly in boiling salted water for the same amount of time.

2. Blend the peas in a mixer or with an immersion blender until you get a puree.

3. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the cream, then incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the pea puree, salt and pepper and mix until you get a smooth mixture.

4. Prepare the molds for the flan by lightly greasing them with butter and sprinkling them with breadcrumbs (this step is optional, but it helps create a crispy crust on the outside of the flan).

5. Distribute the mixture into the molds, filling them about 3/4 full.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20-30 minutes, or until the flans are firm and golden brown on the surface.

7. Let the flans cool for a few minutes, then gently unmold them and serve warm or at room temperature.

Fun Facts

Flans are of French origin and are also very popular in Italy with various regional variations. They are an example of how cooking is an art that can cross borders and adapt to local tastes and ingredients. The pea flan is a spring variant that highlights the natural sweetness of this legume.

If you wish to pair a wine with this dish, a light and fresh white wine like a Vermentino from Sardinia or a Sauvignon could be an excellent choice. Enjoy your meal!