The clafoutis is an egg-based dessert of French origin that has recently taken hold in Italy. It is, in a nutshell, a sweet omelette with sugar and fruit. The traditional recipe calls for the use of the cherries, but nothing prevents you from using your imagination and adding the fruits that you like, or simply those that you have in the house. For the rest of the ingredients, they are likely to be sitting in your store cupboard. The procedure is really straightforward, so we recommend this dessert for beginners!
* approximate values per serving
Wash the strawberries and dry them thoroughly. Mix the sugar and flour in a bowl, stirring well to remove any lumps. Break the eggs into a separate bowl and beat with a fork. Then add the eggs to the flour mixture, stirring well. Finally, add the milk. Mix well. Grease a baking dish and arrange the strawberries on the bottom of it, cut into large pieces. Pour over the flour, milk and egg mixture. Bake at 180 °C for about 40 minutes. Allow the cake to cool and sprinkle with icing sugar before serving.
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Wash and cut the strawberries
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Mix together the flour and sugar
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Break the eggs into a separate bowl
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Beat the eggs with a fork
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Add the eggs to the mixture
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Mix well avoiding any lumps
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Add the milk
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Arrange the strawberries on the bottom of an oven proof dish
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Cover with the dough and cook in the oven at 180°C for 40 minutes
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The clafoutis is ready, sprinkle with icing sugar and serve
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One of the most appreciated variations of clafoutis is undoubtedly the Strawberry Clafoutis with Powdered Sugar. In this preparation, fresh strawberries are generously dusted with powdered sugar before being incorporated into the batter. This trick not only enhances the flavor of the strawberries but also creates a pleasant contrast with the softness of the dessert. To prepare this variation, follow the basic recipe, but remember to add the powdered sugar directly onto the strawberries after placing them in the baking dish. The result will be an even more delicious and aromatic dessert, perfect for a summer snack or as a dessert after a family lunch.
The French Strawberry Clafoutis represents a classic preparation, typical of French culinary tradition. This variation stands out for its use of a thicker and richer batter, which envelops the strawberries in a comforting way. To achieve an optimal result, it is recommended to use ripe and juicy strawberries, which release their flavor during baking. The baking takes place in the oven at a moderate temperature, allowing the dessert to puff up and brown on the surface. This clafoutis can be served warm or at room temperature, and is often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect pairing. Its soft texture and fruity flavor make it an irresistible dessert.
For those who are mindful of their figure, the Light Strawberry Clafoutis without Sugar is an ideal variation. In this recipe, sugar is replaced with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which provide sweetness without adding unnecessary calories. Additionally, you can opt for skim milk or plant-based milk for an even lighter preparation. Fresh strawberries, naturally sweet, make this dessert a great choice for anyone looking to indulge in a guilt-free treat. Despite the reduction in calorie content, the Clafoutis maintains its soft consistency and enveloping flavor, perfect for those following a healthy diet but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a dessert.
Strawberries, the main ingredient in Clafoutis, are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. These fruits contain vitamin C, essential for the immune system, and manganese, which contributes to bone health. Additionally, strawberries are low in calories, with about 32 calories per 100 grams, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Consuming strawberries can also improve heart health due to the presence of antioxidant compounds that combat inflammation. Incorporating them into desserts like Clafoutis not only enriches the dish with flavor but also offers numerous health benefits.
Storing Strawberry Clafoutis is a topic of interest for many. This dessert can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It is important to let it cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator. If you prefer, you can also freeze the Clafoutis: in this case, it is advisable to cut it into slices and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place it in a food bag. This way, it will be easy to thaw only the desired portions. To enjoy it at its best, it is recommended to warm it slightly in the oven or microwave before serving.