Broccoli Flan
17/11/2023The broccoli flan is a tasty and hearty dish that can be served as an appetizer or as a rich side dish. Here I will provide you with a classic version of the recipe with an Italian touch. If you have any preferences or dietary restrictions, I will be happy to adapt it for you.
Ingredients
- 500 g broccoli
- 3 eggs
- 100 g grated cheese (pecorino or parmesan)
- 200 ml béchamel sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
- Breadcrumbs
Preparation
- Start by cleaning the broccoli, separating the florets from the stem and discarding the toughest part. Rinse the florets under running water.
- Cook the broccoli in boiling salted water for about 5-7 minutes or until tender but still al dente. Then drain and let cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper. Add the grated cheese and stir until you have a homogeneous mixture.
- Roughly chop the cooled broccoli and add it to the egg and cheese mixture.
- Gently fold the béchamel into the mixture, being careful not to deflate the eggs.
- Take a baking dish suitable for the oven, grease the bottom and sides with butter and sprinkle with a little breadcrumbs.
- Pour the mixture into the mold and level the surface.
- Sprinkle the surface with more breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust during baking.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top of the flan is golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly for a few minutes before serving.
The broccoli flan is ready! You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a fresh salad for a light meal.
Fun Fact
The flan is a versatile dish and you can enrich it as you like. For example, you can also add diced cooked ham or spices like nutmeg or aromatic herbs to the mixture to give it extra flavor.