Vegetable Flan for a crowd

For those of us constantly looking for ideas to feed more than four people successfully, here is a great recipe that I made last week. Served with a salad and a fresh baguette it is a crowd pleaser. 

Vegetable Flan
serves 8
250g green beans
1 small onion

2 slices of ham or bacon (optional)

250g grated cheese
4 large eggs

125 ml cream (creme liquid ou creme fraiche)
1 x 45g packet of dried soup (I like Spring Vegetables or Onion soup)
250 ml milk
2 tablespoons flour
2 tomatoes


Preheat oven to 180°C
Line a dish with baking paper (my dish measures 30cm x 22cm. You could always use two smaller dishes if you don't have a big one).
Place green beans in a microwave container and cook for 3-4 minutes until barely cooked. Drain off any water and lay in the bottom of your dish.

Finely dice the onion. Gently fry in a pan without colouring for about 10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the bacon or ham, if using, and cook until done. 
Spread the onion and bacon on top of the beans. 

Sprinkle half of the cheese over the vegetables.

Beat together in a large bowl the eggs, cream, milk, flour and packet of soup mix, until well combined. 

Pour over the beans and onions. 

Sprinkle over the rest of the cheese. 

Slice your tomato into thin slices and lay carefully on top of egg and cheese. 

Bake in oven for 30 - 35 minutes. The flan should be golden on top and firm to touch in the centre. 

Allow to cool a little before cutting into 8 slices and serving.