Bell Pepper and Leek Flan
17/11/2023I can suggest a recipe for a bell pepper and leek flan with an Italian twist. This is a delicious dish that can serve as an appetizer or a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 2 medium-sized leeks
- 3 eggs
- 200 ml of cream
- 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil as needed
- Butter for greasing ramekins
- Breadcrumbs for the ramekins
Preparation
- Start by washing the bell peppers, cut them in half, remove the seeds and the white inner parts. Then, bake them in a pre-heated oven at 200 °C for about 25-30 minutes, until the skin becomes slightly charred and peels off easily.
- In the meantime, clean the leeks by removing the green part and roots, cut the white part into thin rings and sauté them in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt until they become soft and translucent.
- Once the bell peppers are cooked, let them cool enough to handle and then remove the skin. Cut the flesh into small pieces.
- Grease the ramekins with butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the cream, add the Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until you get a smooth mixture.
- Add the bell peppers and leeks to the egg mixture and gently stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Fill the ramekins with the mixture and bake in a water bath at 180 °C for about 25-30 minutes, or until the flans are well-cooked and golden on top.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before unmolding onto a serving plate.
The bell pepper and leek flan can be served either warm or cold, depending on your preference. If desired, you can pair it with a light basil sauce or a drizzle of balsamic cream for an additional Italian touch.
Fun Facts
The term “flan” comes from the Latin “flado,” meaning “flat cake,” and refers to a variety of sweet or savory baked dishes. Traditionally, in Italy, flan may also be called “sformato,” and it is cherished in home cooking for its versatility and simplicity.