Prepare the Artichokes
Fill a bowl with water and squeeze in the juice of one lemon to create acidulated water, which will prevent the artichokes from browning.
Clean the artichokes by removing the tough outer leaves and trimming the stems. Slice off the top third of the artichokes and cut them into quarters.
Place the cleaned artichokes into the lemon water to keep them from oxidizing.
Cook the Artichokes
Boil a pot of salted water and blanch the artichokes for about 10 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Artichokes
In a pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the blanched artichokes and sauté for another 5 minutes until they begin to caramelize. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Flan Mixture
In a food processor or blender, combine the sautéed artichokes, eggs, heavy cream (or plant-based cream), Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture rather than blending it fully.
Prepare the Ramekins or Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease your ramekins or baking dish with olive oil or butter.
Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs at the bottom for added texture.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the artichoke mixture evenly into the prepared ramekins or baking dish.
Place the ramekins on a baking tray and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the flans are golden and set.
Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving, as this will help the flan hold its shape.
Serve and Garnish
Carefully remove the flans from the ramekins and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations & Dietary Substitutions
Vegan: Replace the eggs with 1/4 cup of silken tofu per egg and substitute the heavy cream with any plant-based cream. Nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap out regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones or omit them entirely if preferred.
Lactose-Free: Use lactose-free cream or plant-based cream and skip the cheese or use lactose-free cheese.
Keto-Friendly: Reduce the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds as a topping, and ensure the cream and cheese are full-fat.