Spinach Flan Cakes

The spinach flan cakes are an elegant and sophisticated dish, perfect as an appetizer or for a side dish. Here is how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 450 g of fresh or frozen spinach
• 2 large eggs
• 150 ml of cooking cream
• 80 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• Nutmeg, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Butter for greasing the molds
• Breadcrumbs for dusting the molds

Preparation

1. If you are using fresh spinach, wash them thoroughly and blanch them in lightly salted water for a few minutes. If you choose frozen spinach, follow the instructions on the package to thaw and cook them.
2. Squeeze the spinach thoroughly to remove all the excess water and chop them finely.
3. In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the cream, Parmesan, and a grating of nutmeg, and mix until smooth.
4. Fold the finely chopped spinach into the egg and cream mixture and mix well until evenly distributed.
5. Prepare the flan molds by greasing them with a little butter and dusting them with breadcrumbs to prevent the flan cakes from sticking.
6. Fill the molds with the mixture, filling them up to two-thirds of their height.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (356 °F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the flan cakes are puffed and golden on top.
8. Let rest for a few minutes before unmolding the flan cakes onto serving plates.

Fun Fact

The flan can take on various hues, depending on the Italian region where it is prepared. Traditionally, in Piedmontese cuisine, the flan is also made in versions with rice or vegetables, often enriched with truffles or mushrooms, ingredients typical of that area. Spinach flan cakes are therefore a more modern and versatile variant that adapts well to various occasions.

I hope you can enjoy this delicious Italian recipe. Bon appétit!