A flan is a baked custard, sweet or savory. It can be made in a large dish or individual ramekins and with different flavorings or a variety of vegetables… and when my garden is overflowing with zucchini, it can be made with zucchini! I partially cook the zucchini in the microwave before processing it into a purée to make this easy, make ahead dish that’s great as a side for roasted meat, poultry or fish.

Zucchini Flan

Category

Category name

Serves

4 to 6

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted  butter
  • 2 small or 1 large zucchini (1 pound) cut into 1-inch slices
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups half-and-half
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup shredded Gruyere, cheddar or mozzarella cheese

 

Method

  1. Generously butter a 6-cup soufflé mold. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Put the zucchini in a microwavable bowl and microwave on high for 3 minutes then transfer to the bowl of a food processor. Add the salt, pepper, half-and-half, eggs and cheese and process until smooth. Pour the custard into the soufflé dish and place on a metal plate or baking sheet and bake until just set in the center, about 1 hour.
  3. Serve straight from the dish or let rest for a few minutes before unmolding to serve.