Savory Cardoon Flan: A Delicious Treat

Welcome foodies! Today on our blog, we’re diving into the culinary wonders of Sicily to bring you a delectable treat – the Cardoon Flan.
This traditional dish is bursting with unique flavors and fresh ingredients that will take your taste buds on a journey!
The star of this recipe is the cardoon, a vegetable widely available on this picturesque island.
With its earthy and slightly bitter taste, the cardoon adds a distinct flavor profile to this dish that will transport you straight to Sicily.
But that’s not all! We’ve also added a generous sprinkle of Sicilian Pecorino cheese, elevating the authenticity and giving it that traditional touch.
Whether you’re planning a cozy Sunday lunch with your loved ones or a fun-filled dinner party with friends, the Cardoon Flan is a dish that should not be missed.
Not only it is incredibly delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients that will keep you energized and satisfied.
The creamy consistency of the cheese sauce paired with the unique flavor of the cardoon creates a heavenly combination that will have you scraping your plate for every last bite.
This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or even as a side dish to complement your favorite protein.
To make this Cardoon Flan, you’ll need a handful of fresh cardoons, which can be easily sourced on the island.
Simply prepare and cook the cardoons until they’re tender, then combine them with the flavorful Sicilian Pecorino cheese sauce.
Pop it into the oven to bake until golden and bubbly, and voila! A mouthwatering dish is ready to be devoured.
So, next time you’re craving a taste of Sicilian goodness, give the Cardoon Flan a try.
Your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will be left in awe of your culinary skills!
Stay tuned for more delightful recipes and foodie adventures on our blog. Bon appétit!

Yields and Prep Times

• Serves: 6 people
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Values per Serving of Cardoon Flan

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Proteins: 12-15 g
• Fat: 18-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
• Fiber: 4-5 g
• Sugar: 3-4 g
• Sodium: 350-400 mg

Ingredients

• 500 g of cardoons
• 100 g of grated Sicilian pecorino
• 4 eggs
• 50 g of butter
• 50 g of flour
• 500 ml of milk
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. To start, clean the cardoons, removing the outer leaves and the tougher parts, then cut them into pieces and cook them in salted water for 15-20 minutes, until they become tender. Then, drain them and let them cool.
2. In a pan, melt the butter and add the flour, stirring well until you get a roux. Add the milk little by little, stirring continuously with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and becomes a cream.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and incorporate the grated pecorino cheese, stirring until it completely melts.
4. Add the cardoons to the cheese sauce and mix well. Add the beaten eggs and stir until you get a homogeneous mixture. Adjust the flavor with salt, a touch of freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
5. Pour the mixture into a previously greased and floured baking dish.
6. Bake the cardoon flan in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) for about 30-35 minutes, until the surface becomes golden and crispy.
7. Remove your Cardoon Flan from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and enjoy it.

Wine Pairing

To complete the gastronomic experience with your Cardoon Flan, we recommend pairing it with a glass of Delia Nivolelli Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva.
This wine, with its deep ruby color and orange hues when aged, is ideal for enhancing the flavors of the recipe.
Its intense aroma blends magnificently with the creaminess of the pecorino cheese and egg base, while its properly tannic taste offers a pleasant contrast to the delicacy of the cardoons.
To fully appreciate this pairing, make sure to serve the Delia Nivolelli Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C (63°F) after decanting it.
This will allow the wine to reveal all its aromatic nuances and create a perfect balance with the soft and creamy texture of the cardoon soufflé.
With this pairing, your Sicilian dinner will become an unforgettable culinary experience, where the flavors harmonize sublime on the palate.

How to Store Cardoon Flan

1. Refrigeration: After preparation and consumption, it is advisable to store any leftover Cardoon Flan in the refrigerator. Cover the baking dish or container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent the dish from drying out. The flan can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2-3 days.
2. Freezing: If you want to extend the preservation time, you can opt for freezing. Before freezing, cut your Cardoon Flan into individual portions according to your needs. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store the frozen portions in the freezer for a maximum of 1-2 months.
3. Thawing and reheating: When you are ready to consume the frozen Cardoon Flan, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Then, you can heat the individual portions in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until they are well heated and the surface is golden. This ensures that your flan maintains its original consistency and flavor.

Your Culinary Adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Cardoon Flan

Here is, therefore, a delicious Cardoon Flan for you, a dish that embodies genuine flavors and Sicilian culinary tradition.
With its soft and creamy texture, enriched by the unique taste of cardoons and cheese cream, this dish will conquer the palate of anyone who tastes it.
Prepare it for a family lunch or for a special dinner with friends and let yourself be transported by the authenticity of Sicilian flavors.

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