The most beautiful and enjoyable moments are those in which one conjures up culinary magic, when people around the table put our food in their mouths and react with the happy and satisfied expression of those who is enjoy with gratitude what others have lovingly prepared. And what better way to experience some of those lovely feelings but by preparing a unique dish like these gorgeous soft cheese flans, a starter so tasty that it will get everyone’s mouth-watering, young and old, as they smell the enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen and are now beside themselves with anticipation for what is about to arrive. We shouldn’t forget that the preparation of these special soft cheese flans doesn’t require any great effort and, above all, is very fast: the ideal way to create some ‘finger food’ quickly for friends who enjoy eating together.
* approximate values per serving
In a tall, narrow container mix together with a hand blender the soft cheese, cream, eggs, salt and pepper. Grease the ramekins (aluminium or rubber) and sprinkle over the breadcrumbs so they stick to the butter. Pour the liquid mixture into the ramekins, place them in a baking tray and fill the bottom of the tray with water: this will help keep the flans moist and not burn their lower parts. Bake the cheese flans in the oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes at 100 °C and then the last 15 minutes at 120 °C. Let them cool for twenty minutes and the flans will be ready!
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Break the eggs and mix with the stracchino cheese
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Mix in the cream
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Add plenty of pepper
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Blitz together with a hand blender
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Butter some ramekins and sprinkle with breadcrumbs so that the flans don’t stick
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Pour the mixture into the ramekins and place in the oven
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Here is how they look after a minute of cooking in the oven
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The stracchino cheese flans are ready
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A delicious variation of stracchino molds includes the addition of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and peppers. This preparation not only enriches the dish with colors and flavors but also offers greater nutritional value. To prepare the stracchino molds with vegetables, simply grill the chosen vegetables and then incorporate them into the mixture of stracchino, cream, and eggs before pouring it into the molds. The result will be a creamy and flavorful dish, perfect for an elegant appetizer or a second course. The stracchino molds with grilled vegetables can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
The traditional recipe for stracchino molds comes from Lombardy, where this creamy cheese is a fundamental ingredient of local cuisine. The Lombard stracchino molds are characterized by their soft texture and delicate flavor. To enhance the typical taste of this preparation, a pinch of aromatic herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, which are widely used in Lombard cuisine, can be added. Cooking them in a water bath ensures even cooking and a velvety texture. This dish is ideal for representing the Lombard gastronomic tradition with taste, combining the simplicity of the ingredients with the authentic flavor of the region.
For those seeking a lighter version of stracchino molds, a light preparation without cream can be made. In this case, cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt or ricotta, which provide creaminess without weighing down the dish. Additionally, the amount of butter used to grease the molds can be reduced by opting for non-stick spray or simply using a bit of olive oil. The light stracchino molds thus result in being lighter and suitable for those following a low-calorie diet, while still maintaining a good flavor and an appetizing texture. This variant is perfect for a summer lunch or as a dish to serve on special occasions without guilt.
Stracchino molds are not only a tasty dish but also rich in nutritional benefits. Stracchino is, in fact, a source of protein and calcium, essential for bone and muscle health. The eggs present in the recipe provide additional protein and vitamins, while the cream contributes to greater creaminess. However, it is important to keep portion sizes in check, as a single mold can contain about 200-250 calories. For those who wish to enjoy them without overindulging, it is advisable to accompany them with a side of salad or fresh vegetables, thus balancing the meal. Thanks to their versatility, stracchino molds can be adapted to different dietary needs, offering an excellent alternative for a healthy and nutritious meal.
Yes, stracchino molds can be frozen, but it is advisable to do so before cooking. Once the mixture is prepared, it can be poured into the molds and then placed in the freezer. After freezing, they can be removed from the molds and stored in food bags. When ready to use, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and then proceed with baking. This method allows you to always have a ready-to-cook dish available, ideal for when you have little time to spend in the kitchen. However, it is important to note that the texture may vary slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still remain delicious.