Coconut-Palm Sugar Flan

Recipe by: Pichet Ong | from The Sweet Spot: Asian-Inspired Desserts

Cookstr

Course: Dessert

Total Time: Half Day

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

Flan, a dessert frequently associated with Spain, is perhaps the one dessert found in every Asian country. Also known as creme caramel or custard, flan originated in Spain, was reinterpreted by the French and English, moved east, and took off. In Asia, the standard spiced cream version is far less popular than the coconut variety. This is for a good reason–the fruity aroma of coconut makes the custard tastier, richer, and more interesting.

Yield: Makes 12 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 2/3 cups (9 ounces/257 grams) crushed palm sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¾ teaspoon salt
2 cups (16 ounces/454 grams) whole milk
¾ cup (7 ounces/200 grams) unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (3½ ounces/98 grams) finely shredded unsweetened dried coconut
¾ cup (5 1/3 ounces/150 grams) sugar
¼ cup (2 ounces/58 grams) evaporated milk
4 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon fleur de sel or Maldon salt, optional

Directions

1. Put the palm sugar, lemon juice, and ¼ cup water into a small saucepan, set over mediumhigh heat, and cook, stirring, to dissolve the sugar if necessary until the mixture becomes dark brown and registers 350°F on a candy thermometer, about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Carefully divide the caramel among twelve 4-ounce ramekins.

2. Put the milk, coconut milk, coconut, sugar, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt into a medium saucepan, set over medium heat, and warm, stirring occasionally, until bubbles begin to form around the edges. Remove from the heat and let steep for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

4. Add the evaporated milk to the coconut mixture.

5. Whisk the eggs and egg yolks in a large mixing bowl until the yolks are broken, then add the milk mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the coconut to extract as much liquid as possible. Set the mixture in a larger bowl filled with ice and water and chill completely until cold.

6. Divide the coconut mixture among the prepared ramekins and put in a deep baking dish or roasting pan. Carefully pour enough hot water into the pan, without spilling any into the ramekins, to reach halfway up the ramekins. Bake until the Han is just set, about 45 minutes—the sides should be firm but the center still quite jiggly. Cool completely in the pan.

7. Serve the flan once it has cooled or, for even better results, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Invert the flans onto serving plates. If the flan seems stuck, run a thin-bladed knife around the edges of each ramekin, and then invert. Sprinkle each flan with fleur de sel, if desired.

Notes

CHEF’S TIPS: If you can’t find palm sugar for the caramel, substitute white sugar. Simply bring it to a dark caramel before dividing it among the ramekins.

This flan is best when cooled completely at room temperature, then refrigerated for at least 4 hours and brought back to room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to develop more fully and causes the custard to become so delicate it just melts in your mouth. Rest assured, though, that the flan is also delicious when served right away.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 290kcal (14%)

Calcium 81mg (8%)

Vitamin C 1mg (2%)

Vitamin A 61mcg RAE (2%)

Potassium 184mg

Magnesium 23mg

Protein 5g

Sugar 37g

Fiber 1g

Total Carbohydrate 39g