Recipe: Asparagus Flan

Hookery Cookery Home > Vegetarian Recipes > Asparagus Flan Serves 6

Description/Notes:

This delightful asparagus flan will make a great center-piece for your supper table

Ingredients:

7 oz. (175g) plain flour

three ounces (75g) margarine

salt and pepper

1 oz. (25g) butter

half a pint (250ml) milk

4 oz. (100g) grated cheese

12 oz. (340g) tin asparagus spears

Cooking Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 425F, Gas Mark 7, 220C
2. Sift 6 oz. (150g) flour with a pinch of salt
3. Rub in the margarine and mix to make a stiff dough with cold water
4. Use this pastry to line a 7 inch (18cm) flan dish
5. Trim the edges and line the flan with a piece of greaseproof paper
6. Fill with baking beans then bake in the pre-heated oven for 15 minutes
7. Remove the beans and paper then return flan to oven and bake for 5 minutes
8. Put the butter, remaining flour and milk into a pan
9. Place over a gentle heat and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens and boils
10. Reduce the heat and simmer for a further 2 minutes, whisking all the time
11. Season to taste and stir in 3 oz. (75g) cheese
12. Drain the asparagus spears and dry on kitchen paper, reserving 6-8 of the best ones for decoration
13. Lay the remainder in the flan and pour over the cheese sauce
14. Decorate with the reserved spears and sprinkle with the remaining cheese
15. Return to the oven to brown the top