Flan facts for kids
| Type | Tart |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Great Britain |
| Main ingredients | Pastry |
A flan is a tasty dish from British cooking. It's like a small pie without a top crust. A flan has an open pastry or sponge base. This base holds a yummy filling. The filling can be either sweet or savory. Most flans are round. They often use a type of pastry called shortcrust.
Contents
What is a Flan?
A flan is a classic British dish. It's known for its simple yet delicious style. The word "flan" comes from an old French word. It means a flat cake or tart. People have been making flans for hundreds of years. They are a popular choice for meals and desserts.
Sweet and Savory Fillings
Flans can be made with many different fillings. This makes them very versatile.
- Sweet flans often have fruit. They might also have custard or jam. These are usually served as a dessert.
- Savory flans can have vegetables. They might include cheese or meat. These are often served as a main meal or a light lunch.
How Flans are Made
Making a flan usually starts with the base. This is often a shortcrust pastry. The pastry is shaped into a round dish. Sometimes, the pastry is baked a little first. This helps it stay crisp. Then, the filling is poured into the pastry case. Finally, the flan is baked until it is golden and set.
Flans Around the World
While flans are popular in Britain, similar dishes exist elsewhere. Many countries have their own versions of open tarts. These dishes show how different cultures use pastry and fillings. They are all unique and delicious.
Flan vs. Quiche
You might have heard of a dish called Quiche. Quiche is very similar to a savory flan. It also has a pastry crust and a savory filling. The main difference is that quiche usually has a custard filling. This custard is made with eggs and cream. It often includes cheese, bacon, or vegetables. Flans can have many different types of savory fillings.
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