Zucchini Flan
A creamy zucchini flan with nutmeg and cheese, perfect as a light appetizer or side dish. Rich, flavorful, and ideal for vegetable lovers and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet; add chopped onion.
- Cook, stirring until onion is wilted.
- Trim and discard ends of zucchini; slice into thin rounds and add to skillet.
- Cook briefly; stir.
- Spoon mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Blend heavy cream, lightly beaten egg yolks, lightly beaten egg, and nutmeg.
- Add salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
- Pour the cream mixture over the zucchini in the casserole.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until custard is lightly set.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme to the onion when sautéing. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative. For added texture, mix in some grated cheese or breadcrumbs before baking. Make sure to slice the zucchini thinly for even cooking, ensuring a smooth custard consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the zucchini flan warm as a delightful side dish or as a light main course. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a touch of elegance, consider drizzling some Easy Hollandaise over the top before serving, enhancing the flavors and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the flan in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but be careful not to overcook as it may affect the custard's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Flan contains roughly 520 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables besides zucchini?
Absolutely! This flan recipe is versatile, and you can swap zucchini for other vegetables like yellow squash or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable's moisture content to maintain a good balance in the custard.
What type of cheese can I use on top?
You can use any cheese that melts well, such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar. Each will impart a different flavor to the dish. For a gourmet twist, try adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy kick.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini mixture and the cream mixture separately ahead of time. Assemble the flan but bake it just before serving. This allows the dish to maintain its texture and freshness, making it perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).