Courgette flan is a delightful dish that showcases the mild and tender flavor of courgettes (also known as zucchini). This recipe yields a delicious flan that serves six people, making it a great choice for a family meal or gathering. The courgettes are blanched to retain their vibrant green color and then combined with a mixture of egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg for added depth of flavor. The fluffy egg whites are folded into the courgette mixture, creating a light and airy texture. Baked to perfection, the flan develops a golden crust on top while remaining soft and creamy inside. Serve this courgette flan piping hot as a delightful side dish or a vegetarian main course.
INGREDIENTS:
- Olive oil for greasing
- 6 courgettes, sliced
- 4 eggs, separated
- 175g/6oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Blanch the courgettes in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the egg yolks, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well.
- Add the blanched courgettes to the egg yolk mixture and mix until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the courgette mixture until well incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the courgette flan in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the flan is set.
- Remove the flan from the oven and serve it piping hot.
YIELD:
- Serves 6
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Be sure to grease the baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ease removal of the flan.
- Blanching the courgettes briefly helps to maintain their vibrant green color and slightly softens them for easier incorporation into the flan.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese freshly for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to add a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish.
- Season the courgette mixture with salt according to your taste preferences.
TIPS:
- Serve the courgette flan as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled fish.
- Enjoy it as a vegetarian main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Customize the flan by adding other ingredients such as chopped fresh herbs, sautéed onions, or diced bell peppers.
- Consider garnishing the flan with a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Courgette flan is a delightful and versatile dish that celebrates the natural flavor of courgettes. This recipe provides a simple yet delicious preparation method, resulting in a fluffy and golden flan that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a vegetarian main course. The combination of courgettes, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg creates a harmony of flavors that will impress your taste buds. Serve this courgette flan piping hot and savor the creamy texture and delicate taste. It’s an excellent choice for any occasion when you want to showcase the vibrant flavors of fresh courgettes in a delightful and satisfying dish.
