This recipe was originally published on October 25, 2015 and has been modified and updated for our new website.
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica)
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 large eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparing the milk and hibiscus flowers
- Heat milk and 1/2 cup of the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Heat gently until milk just starts to bubble around the edges, do not boil.
- Pour into a heatproof bowl and stir in hibiscus flowers.
- Let cool then cover and refrigerate overnight.
shop glassware
Preparing the flan
Heat oven to 325°F.
Place a 9-inch ring mold or 8 (4-ounce) ramekins in a roasting pan.
Bring a large kettle of water to a boil.
Combine 1 cup of the sugar and the 1/4 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Stir to dissolve sugar then let cook, undisturbed, until amber in color, about 8 minutes.
Immediately pour the hot caramel into the bottom of the ring mold, or divide it evenly between the ramekins, swirling to coat.
Whisk eggs, yolks, remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
Strain the hibiscus-milk mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a medium saucepan.
Place over medium heat just until little bubbles form around the edges of the pan.
Slowly add warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously until smooth.
Strain mixture one last time then pour into mold or ramekins.
Place roasting pan in the oven then add boiling water, making sure it reaches halfway up the sides of the mold or ramekins.
Bake until set, about 30-35 minutes.
Remove to a wire rack and let cool 30 minutes.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.
shop food & snacks
Serving the flan
Run a sharp knife around the inside edge or the mold or ramekins, place a plate on top, invert and lift mold off. If flan is not releasing, briefly dip the bottom of the mold or ramekins in hot water and try again.
Notes
The hibiscus flowers need to steep in the milk overnight and then the finished flan needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours so plan ahead.If the milk curdles slightly when you add the flowers don't worry, any lumps will get strained out with the dried flowers, but be warned, the more you stir the milk-flower mixture, the more it will curdle. So it's best to give a quick stir to combine, then leave to steep undisturbed.The easiest way to get caramel-coated pots and pans clean is to fill them with water and bring to a boil, the caramel will instantly melt away.
About the Author
Kate Ramos
Kate Ramos is the author of Hola Jalapeño—a blog where she shares her take on Latin-inspired food. Kate spent many years as a chef, food editor, and recipe developer.
Book a Free Travel Consultation
Mexico in My Pocket has just launched a new consultation service for anyone looking for some help planning their next Mexico vacation. Our goal is to create a custom itinerary that will give you incredible memories!
schedule your call today!
Leave a comment