Easy and Economical Homemade Flan Recipe

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Locos Por Los Dulces proposes you to make this incredible homemade flan recipe that you can enjoy individually or in a general bowl to share! This recipe will not only surprise you for being easy to prepare, but it also has the peculiarity of using fewer eggs than the traditional version, without sacrificing its exquisite flavor. Go ahead and prepare it!

Origins and Main Ingredients

Flan has its roots in ancient Rome, where it was made with milk, eggs and honey. Over time, honey was replaced by sugar, giving shape to the recipe we know today. Later, it was further improved with the addition of the vanilla bean, which gives it its characteristic flavor and aroma.

A Simple and Customizable Recipe

Preparing this flan is really simple, since it is uncomplicated in its preparation and offers several advantages. The necessary ingredients are few and are easily found in any market. Furthermore, you have the freedom to substitute any ingredient according to your preferences or needs without any problem.

Basic Ingredients and Replacements

The traditional flan recipe mainly consists of three ingredients: milk, eggs and sugar. However, sugar can be replaced by other sweeteners, whether natural or artificial, liquid or powder. Also, you can use honey, mascabo sugar or whole cane sugar. Keep in mind that the less sugar, the lighter the final product.

The eggs used are medium-sized and ideally at room temperature. If you have stored them in the refrigerator, take them out for a while before starting the recipe. If you only have small eggs and want to use them anyway, you will need to increase the amount accordingly. On the other hand, if the eggs are large, you will get an even better result.

The type of milk can be whole or skim, although whole milk tends to provide better results. Likewise, you have the option of replacing it with a plant-based drink of your choice, such as almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, among others. Keep in mind that the particular flavor of the plant-based drink may be too pronounced in the final result, so choose wisely.

Lastly, and not least, the vanilla essence that gives the flan its characteristic flavor and aroma. Certainly, you can use a vanilla bean obtaining an unparalleled result. However, its price is usually high, so it is at the discretion of each person. Also, you can use other types of essences, such as lemon, orange, etc.

Accompaniments and Additional Ingredients

Homemade flan can be enjoyed on its own, but you can also add ideal accompaniments to enhance its flavor. Some delicious options include whipped cream, dulce de leche, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit. These additions add texture and complementary flavors to the flan, making it a true delight.

Cooking Methods and Helpful Tips

Flan is generally cooked in a bain-marie in the oven, although some people prefer to use the microwave. In this recipe, we suggest baking it in a dish with water for best results. It is possible that during cooking, a crust-like layer appears on the surface of the flan, which many do not like. To avoid this, simply cover the flan with aluminum foil halfway through cooking and remove it at the end.

Caramel: A Sweet and Versatile Touch

Caramel is obtained by heating sugar at a low temperature and stirring constantly to prevent burning. Through this process, the sugar melts and becomes brown, thus developing the characteristic caramel flavor. Essentially, caramel is simply melted sugar that hardens as it cools.

The caramel’s consistency can vary, being solid or more liquid. If you want to use it for a homemade flan or another dessert, it is advisable that it not solidify completely. To achieve this, once the sugar has completely melted, gradually add boiling water until you reach the desired consistency.

Ideal Accompaniments for your Flan

Homemade flan can be served on its own, but you can also accompany it with different options that enhance its flavor. Some ideal accompaniments are:

1. Whipped cream: Adding a portion of whipped cream over the flan will give it a touch of softness and creaminess.
2. Dulce de leche: Dulce de leche, with its delicious caramel flavor, becomes a perfect complement to flan. You can add as a topping or serve on the side of the dish and let each bite mix with its sweetness.
3. Caramel sauce: A homemade caramel sauce will add an extra touch of sweetness to the flan. You can pour it over the flan or use it as a decoration on the dish.