Are you ready to embark on a delicious culinary adventure? Filipino desserts are renowned for their unique blend of sweet, creamy, and sometimes subtly savory flavors, offering a delightful escape for your taste buds. Forget complicated baking – these easy Filipino dessert recipes are perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned cooks looking for quick and satisfying homemade treats. Get ready to discover the joy of making these delicious dishes!
Creamy Leche Flan: A Classic Filipino Delight
Leche flan, a rich and creamy caramel custard, is a staple in Filipino celebrations and everyday life. This recipe provides a simplified approach to this classic, making it accessible to everyone.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar melts into a rich amber caramel. Carefully pour the caramel into a 9-inch baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside.
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Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk until well combined and slightly frothy. Make sure there are no lumps.
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Bake the Flan: Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the baking dish. Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish (this creates a water bath for even cooking).
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Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
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Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the flan to fully set.
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Serve: To serve, run a thin knife around the edge of the flan to loosen it. Invert onto a serving plate. The caramel will flow over the top, creating a beautiful and delicious topping.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother flan, strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into the baking dish.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the flan.
- For a richer flavor, use whole eggs instead of a mixture of whole eggs and egg yolks.
- Experiment with different types of milk, such as coconut milk, for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
This leche flan recipe is a perfect example of delicious and relatively healthy meal options – a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy the sweet reward of your homemade cooking! Happy baking!