Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Fresh Pea Flan: A Delightful Taste of Sicily
Discover the recipe for a fresh pea flan, a delicious Sicilian dish perfect for any occasion!
📖 What is it
Discover the recipe for a fresh pea flan, a delicious Sicilian dish perfect for any occasion!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 600 g fresh or frozen peas, shelled
- ✓ 2 carrots
- ✓ 100 g canned sweetcorn
- ✓ 50 g cooked ham
- ✓ 30 g butter
- ✓ 20 g plain flour
- ✓ 3 eggs
- ✓ 1 tablespoon grated Sicilian pecorino cheese
- ✓ 200 ml meat stock
- ✓ Salt to taste
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the scents of a Sicilian spring with this fresh pea flan, a dish that celebrates the purity of local ingredients. The natural sweetness of the peas blends beautifully with the savoury notes of cooked ham and the richness of pecorino cheese, while the crunchy touch of sweetcorn and carrots adds a lovely contrast in texture. Ideal for a friendly lunch or a relaxed evening meal, this flan brings the freshness and tradition of our land straight to your table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and add the fresh or frozen peas. Cook for about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- 2
Dice the carrots and sauté them in a pan with the butter over medium-high heat until tender.
- 3
Add the drained sweetcorn and diced cooked ham. Fry for a few minutes.
- 4
Stir in the flour and mix well. Gradually pour in the meat stock, stirring continuously until you have a smooth sauce.
- 5
Fold in the cooked peas, pecorino, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- 6
Beat the eggs and incorporate them into the mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
- 7
Grease and flour a baking dish, pour in the mixture, and smooth the surface.
- 8
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 to 40 minutes, until the flan is golden and puffed up.
- 9
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with a little olive oil to finish.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a fresher aroma, add a few chopped fresh mint leaves directly into the mixture.
- •
If you prefer a stronger flavour, swap the pecorino for aged Sicilian caciocavallo cheese, which will give the dish a more pronounced character.
- •
Use a non-stick or parchment-lined tin to make it easier to remove the flan without it breaking.
- •
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and increase the cheese quantity, perhaps adding a mix of herbs like thyme and marjoram.
- •
The secret to a creamy texture lies in slow cooking and choosing the freshest peas, which bring natural sweetness and softness to the dish.
📦 Storage
- • Store the flan in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep well for a couple of days.
- • For longer storage, you can freeze it once cooked: wrap it tightly in cling film and pop it in the freezer for up to a month.
- • When ready to serve, warm it through in a preheated oven at 160°C for about 10 minutes to restore its lovely texture and flavour.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the delicate, comforting flavours of the flan, opt for a Cerasuolo di Vittoria, the renowned Sicilian wine whose fruity and subtly spicy notes make a perfect match. Alternatively, a crisp, mineral Grillo offers an interesting contrast, while for those who fancy a touch of international flair, a light and aromatic Italian Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the dish’s gentle character.
Making this fresh pea flan is like bringing a slice of Sicily into your home, filled with authentic flavours and heartfelt tradition. I warmly encourage you to give it a go, let yourself be won over by its deliciousness, and share this lovely experience with your nearest and dearest. Don’t forget to spread the joy of Sicilian cooking by sharing the recipe with friends and family!
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