Pumpkin Flan: A Sweet and Smooth Delight 😋
Nurturing an exuberant charm from its soft, velvety texture and gentle sweetness, the Pumpkin Flan takes a traditional dessert to a delectable new height, with an autumnal twist. This classic, smooth, and creamy delight infuses the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, juxtaposed with a light, zesty hint of lemon and the luxurious cascade of homemade caramel. Explore a simple and heartwarming recipe to bring this elegant dessert to your table.
Ingredients:
For the flan:
- 500 ml of milk
- 500 gr of cooked or roasted pumpkin
- 8 tablespoons of cornstarch (maicena)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 peel of a lemon
For the caramel:
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of water
- A dash of lemon juice
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin
Peel and cut the pumpkin into chunks. Boil it in a pot with water until tender. Alternatively, for a roasted variant, place unpeeled, large pumpkin pieces in a preheated oven at 200°C (approximately 390°F) until they are soft and tender.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a blender, combine the milk and sugar, adjusting the sugar according to the sweetness of the pumpkin. It’s wise to be conservative with sugar initially, as it can be adjusted later. Add the drained, cooked (or roasted and peeled) pumpkin to the blender and process until the pumpkin is fully blended into the mixture.
Step 3: Cook with Cornstarch
In a saucepan over medium heat, add about two fingers’ depth of the blended mixture. Once it begins to boil, remove from heat and gradually incorporate the cornstarch, stirring consistently to ensure it dissolves smoothly. Return the saucepan to low heat, add a bit more of the blended mixture, and stir. Repeat until all blended contents are incorporated, aiming for a slightly thick cream-like consistency.
Step 4: Infuse Lemon
Before the mixture thickens completely, add the lemon peel, stir for a minute, and remove from the heat.
Step 5: Craft the Caramel
In a small pan or pot, combine the caramel ingredients and simmer over low heat. Allow it to cook until the mixture transitions to a golden color, ensuring it doesn’t become too dark.
Step 6: Assemble the Flan
In a large dish or several smaller ones for single servings, pour the caramel at the bottom, followed by the cooked pumpkin mixture.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Allow the flan to cool and then refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour. It is advisable to cover the containers to prevent the top of the dessert from drying out.
Closing:
The Pumpkin Flan encapsulates a sublime balance between the robust, earthy sweetness of pumpkin and the light, airy delicacy of traditional flan, crowned with a glossy layer of rich caramel. This dessert, beyond its elegance, affords a wholesome experience and serves as a splendid finale to your meals, especially during cozy autumn evenings. May your culinary journey through this dessert be as delightful and smooth as the flan itself!
