INGREDIENTS
1 large orange
2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for natural sweetness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Orange:
Zest the Orange: Start by zesting the orange. Set the zest aside.
Juice the Orange: Cut the orange in half and squeeze out the juice. You should get about 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice.
2. Prepare the Flan Mixture:
Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix and Strain:
Blend the Mixture: Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Strain: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into another bowl to ensure a smooth texture.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Pour Mixture: Pour the strained mixture into individual ramekins or a large flan dish.
5. Bake the Flan:
Water Bath: Place the ramekins or flan dish in a larger baking pan. Fill the baking pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the flan is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
Cool: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
Serve: To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan and invert it onto a plate. Enjoy your creamy, citrusy flan!
TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
Consistent Mixing: Make sure to whisk continuously when adding the warm milk to the egg mixture to avoid curdling.
Smooth Texture: Straining the mixture before baking ensures a smooth and creamy flan.
Optional Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly sweeter dessert, the addition of honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness without refined sugar.
CONCLUSION
This simple and delicious flan recipe using orange and milk is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy dessert with minimal ingredients. It’s easy to make, naturally sweetened, and bursting with citrus flavor. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite way to enjoy flan. Happy cooking!