Welcome to the culinary paradise of Costa Rica, where vibrant flavors and rich traditions merge to create a symphony for the taste buds. Among its many culinary delights, Costa Rican Flan stands out as a timeless classic, beloved by locals and visitors alike. This velvety dessert, with its smooth texture and caramelized sweetness, encapsulates the essence of Costa Rican cuisine.

In this recipe, we'll embark on a journey to recreate this indulgent treat in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll soon be savoring the creamy goodness of authentic Costa Rican Flan. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and let's dive into the delightful world of Costa Rican cuisine, one spoonful at a time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Caramel:

1- Place 1 cup of granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.

2- Stir continuously until the sugar melts and turns into a golden caramel color, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sugar.

3- Once the caramel is ready, quickly pour it into a round baking dish or individual ramekins, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.

2. Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Prepare the Custard Mixture:

1- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.

2- Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

4. Pour the Mixture:Carefully pour the custard mixture over the cooled caramel in the baking dish or ramekins.

5. Create a Water Bath:Place the filled baking dish or ramekins into a larger baking pan. Fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish(es). This will create a water bath, ensuring even cooking and preventing the flan from cracking.

6. Bake the Flan:

1- Place the water bath with the flan into the preheated oven.

2- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.

7. Cool and Chill:

1- Once baked, remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature in the water bath.

2- Once cooled, transfer the flan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

8. Serve:

1- To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it from the dish.

2- Place a serving plate upside down over the dish and quickly flip it over to release the flan.

3- The caramel sauce will flow over the top of the flan, creating a beautiful presentation.

4- Slice and serve chilled, garnishing with fresh fruit or mint leaves if desired.

Enjoy the creamy, caramel-infused bliss of this classic Costa Rican Flan, a dessert that's sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica with every heavenly bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Costa Rican Flan recipe per serving:

Granulated Sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 774 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carbohydrates: 200g
• Sugars: 200g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Provides a quick source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Adds sweetness and flavor to dishes.

Large Eggs (4 eggs):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 838mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 24g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.
• Contains healthy fats and antioxidants.

Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 ounces):

• Calories: 1,575 kcal
• Total Fat: 56g
• Saturated Fat: 35g
• Cholesterol: 210mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 245g
• Sugars: 245g
• Protein: 42g

benefits:

• Adds richness and creaminess to recipes.
• Good source of calcium and protein.
• Provides energy from carbohydrates and fats.

Evaporated Milk (12 ounces):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 92mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 28g

benefits:

• Adds creaminess and richness without adding water content.
• Good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
• Helps create a smooth texture in desserts and sauces.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.6g

benefits:

• Enhances the flavor profile of dishes with its aromatic and sweet notes.
• Contains small amounts of antioxidants.
• May have calming effects on the nervous system.

Pinch of Salt:

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Enhances the overall flavor of dishes.
• Helps balance and round out other flavors.
• Essential for proper electrolyte balance in the body.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific product used, and preparation method. Additionally, the serving size of the flan will affect the nutritional content per serving.