Ricette di Sicilia

Name: Savory Cardoon Flan: A Delicious Treat
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 500 g cardoons; 100 g grated Sicilian Pecorino cheese; 4 eggs; 50 g butter; 50 g plain flour; 500 ml milk; Nutmeg; Salt; Freshly ground black pepper

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane

Savory Cardoon Flan: A Delicious Treat

Discover the flavors of Sicily with Savory Cardoon Flan: A Delicious Treat, a unique dish that promises to delight your taste buds!

Author: Vito Costa • Published on: February 24, 2023

Categories: Main courses Vegetarian main courses

Tags: butter flour 00 flour milk nutmeg pecorino cheese black pepper salt eggs

⏱️

Prep Time

30 minutes

🔥

Cook Time

30 minutes

👥

Servings

📊

Difficulty

Moderate

💰 Medium

🗓️ Autumn

⭐ 4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 500 g cardoons

✓ 100 g grated Sicilian Pecorino cheese

✓ 4 eggs

✓ 50 g butter

✓ 50 g plain flour

✓ 500 ml milk

✓ Nutmeg

✓ Salt

✓ Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories

300-350 kcal

Protein

12-15 g

Fat

18-20 g

Carbohydrates

25-30 g

Fiber

4-5 g

Sugars

3-4 g

Sodium

350-400 mg

Embark on a culinary journey to Sicily with Vito Costa's exquisite Cardoon Flan.
This traditional Sicilian dish offers a delightful symphony of flavours, with the earthy, slightly bitter cardoon complemented by the rich and creamy Sicilian Pecorino cheese.
The aroma and texture of this flan will transport you straight to the sun-drenched landscapes of Sicily.
Perfect for a cosy Sunday lunch or a lively dinner party, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your guests.
Whether served as a main course or a side dish, the Cardoon Flan is a testament to the simplicity and richness of Sicilian cuisine.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

1

Clean the cardoons by removing the outer leaves and tougher parts, then cut them into pieces. Cook them in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender, then drain and cool.
2

In a pan, melt the butter and add the flour, stirring well to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously with a whisk until the mixture thickens into a cream.
3

Remove the pan from heat and incorporate the grated Pecorino cheese, stirring until melted.
4

Add the cardoons to the cheese sauce and mix well. Add the beaten eggs and stir until the mixture is homogeneous. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
5

Pour the mixture into a greased and floured baking dish.
6

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes until the surface is golden and crispy.
7

Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and enjoy.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a variation, consider adding a layer of sliced cooked potatoes for additional texture. You can also substitute Pecorino with Parmesan for a different flavour profile.

📦 Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly covered container for up to 2-3 days.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminium foil for up to 1-2 months.
• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator and reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes before serving.

🍷 Pairing

Pair the Cardoon Flan with a glass of Nero d’Avola, a native Sicilian wine. Its rich and fruity notes beautifully complement the creamy texture and earthy flavours of the dish.

Thank you for exploring this delightful Sicilian recipe. We hope you enjoy making and tasting the Cardoon Flan. Don't forget to share your experience with friends and family!

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Ricette di Sicilia

Savory Cardoon Flan: A Delicious Treat