Potato and Mushroom Flan

I can guide you through the preparation of the potato and mushroom flan, a comforting dish full of flavors. Here’s how to proceed.

Ingredients

• 500 g of potatoes
• 300 g of mushrooms (champignons or mixed)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 eggs
• 100 g of grated cheese (parmesan or pecorino)
• 200 ml of cooking cream
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil or butter for frying
• Breadcrumbs for the baking dish

Preparation

1. Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water until they are well cooked. After cooking, drain them, peel them, and mash them with a potato masher to obtain a smooth puree.

2. In the meantime, clean the mushrooms by wiping off any dirt with a damp cloth, slice them, and fry them in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the garlic clove. Cook until they have released all their water and have turned golden.

3. Take a large bowl and mix the potato puree with the eggs, chopped parsley, sautéed mushrooms (remove the garlic), cream, and grated cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix until you have a homogeneous mixture.

4. Prepare a baking dish or single-portion molds by greasing them with a bit of butter or oil and sprinkling them with breadcrumbs to prevent the flan from sticking.

5. Pour the mixture into the mold or molds and level it with a spatula. If desired, you can sprinkle more grated cheese on the surface to create a crispy crust after baking.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 30-40 minutes, or until the surface of the flan becomes golden and crispy.

7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The flan can be served either as a main course or as a particularly rich and tasty side dish.

Curiosity

Flan is a very versatile dish that allows for numerous variants. Depending on the Italian region, you might find flans with artichokes, pumpkin, or even with the addition of speck or cooked ham for a smoky note. Each version reflects the creativity and local traditions, making the flan a dish that is always new and surprising.