Tomato, cheese and basil flan recipe
information
The flavour of sweet basil perfectly complements tomato, and this is a classic combination in many dishes, particularly those of Italian origin.
Fresh herbs are always preferable in cooking, but fresh basil is not readily available, though it can sometimes be found in specialist greengrocers during the summer months.
Remember, if you want to grow basil, that it is an annual and so you will need to buy a new plant each year. It likes a sunny, sheltered spot.
There are two main kinds, with which you can experiment. Sweet basil has largish, shiny dark green leaves and white flowers. Bush basil has many small pale green leaves and tiny white flowers. Bush and sweet basil have an equally good flavour.
The strong, aromatic flavour of basil is delicious in egg, mushroom and pasta dishes, as well as with tomatoes.
The flan is equally good served warm or cold. It serves 6-8 as an appetizing starter for either a lunch or supper party. Try accompanying it with a spicy tomato relish. This tasty flan also makes perfect picnic food.
ingredients
150 - 175 g (6 oz) shortcrust pastry, defrosted if frozen
4 large tomatoes (about 250 g (9 oz)), sliced
300 ml (1/2 pint) milk
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
75 g (3 oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated
salt and freshly ground black pepper
a few tomato slices, to garnish (optional)
4 large tomatoes (about 250 g (9 oz)), sliced
300 ml (1/2 pint) milk
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
75 g (3 oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated
salt and freshly ground black pepper
a few tomato slices, to garnish (optional)
method
1. Heat the oven to l90°C (375°F) Gas 5.
2. Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface and use to line a 20 cm (8 inch) plain flan ring set on a baking sheet.
3. Arrange the 250 g (9 oz) tomato slices overlapping in the flan case. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, basil, 50 g (2 oz) of the cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the mixture into the flan case and sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes until the filling is set and golden brown on top.
5. Allow the flan to cool for 5 minutes, then carefully remove the flan ring. Transfer the flan to a serving dish, then garnish with tomato slices, if liked.
2. Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface and use to line a 20 cm (8 inch) plain flan ring set on a baking sheet.
3. Arrange the 250 g (9 oz) tomato slices overlapping in the flan case. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, basil, 50 g (2 oz) of the cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the mixture into the flan case and sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes until the filling is set and golden brown on top.
5. Allow the flan to cool for 5 minutes, then carefully remove the flan ring. Transfer the flan to a serving dish, then garnish with tomato slices, if liked.
serving amount
serves 6 - 8
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