Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of open pastry or tart: A baked dish consisting of an open pastry case or crust, typically made from shortcrust or puff pastry, with a filling that is not covered by pastry.
   • A baked dessert with a filling: The filling is often sweet, such as fruit, custard, or cream. In some culinary traditions, particularly Spanish and Latin American, "flan" refers to a different, custard-based dessert.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She baked a delicious apricot flan for the party.
  • The menu featured a seasonal berry flan with fresh cream.
  • We ordered a slice of flan from the bakery.

Advanced Usage

• "Fruit flan": A flan specifically filled with fresh or cooked fruit, often glazed.

  • The fruit flan was decorated with kiwi, strawberries, and peaches.

• "Savory flan": Although less common, "flan" can sometimes refer to a savory tart, such as a quiche, though this usage is more typical in certain European contexts.

  • The chef prepared a savory flan with leeks and goat cheese.

Variants and Related Words

• Crème caramel / Caramel flan: In Spanish and Latin American cuisines, "flan" typically refers to a baked custard dessert with a layer of soft caramel on top, which is distinct from the pastry-based definition. This is a related but different culinary item.
  • For dessert, we had a traditional Spanish flan.

Synonyms

• Tart: An open pastry case with a filling.
• Pastry: A general term for baked products made from dough, which can include items like flans.
• Pie: A broader term for a baked dish with a crust and filling; a flan is a type of open pie.

Related Phrases

• "Flan case" or "flan tin": Refers to the metal ring or dish used to bake a flan, which often has a removable bottom.
  • Grease the flan tin before adding the pastry.

Noun

1. open pastry filled with fruit or custard