Kitchen

Upgrade Your Classic Leche Flan Recipe With a Crunchy Surprise

by Anjella Aguilar
February 23, 2023

Leche Flan has always been a staple dessert in any family occasion, but this clever twist will take your family’s signature flan recipe to a whole new level

We’re no strangers to the classic Leche Flan. From grand holiday celebrations, to simple family gatherings, the custard dish has always been the go-to dessert in any Filipino occasion. Every family has their own version, and renowned food stylist and cookbook author, Nina Daza-Puyat, is not one to shy away from showcasing her own twist. Straying away from the typical add-ons, this ingenious rendition might just surprise you.

Thinking outside the box

Not only do the caramel crisps add a new dimension to the dessert, it also serves as a pretty topping.

When we think of Leche Flan, we always envision a smooth and creamy custard dessert with a drizzle of caramel on top. Now, when we think of noodles, it’s always something savory like the classic Filipino pancit we all know and love. But Nina Daza-Puyat has other tricks up her sleeves—introducing her Creamy Flan with Caramel Crisps. Contrasting the silkiness of the flan, she elevates the dish by adding crispy fried vermicelli noodles on top.

Food stylist and cookbook author, Nina Daza-Puyat

“I really wanted to showcase something classic…A Filipino favorite. Then, I just thought of adding a layer of texture because nobody has ever done it before. Leche Flan has always been served exactly the same way for so many generations,” Nina shares.

Staying faithful to the flavor profile of the well-loved dessert, the crispy noodles give a satisfying crunch that adds a new dimension to the typical Leche Flan. Plus, the caramel drizzle on top ties the whole dessert together. It’s fun, innovative, and really easy to make. According to Nina, the key to making the noodles crispy is to make sure that the oil is hot enough for a successful fry.

The Sapporo Long Kow Vermicelli is low in sodium and cholesterol-free.

The crispy vermicelli might just be a small addition to the Leche Flan, but it is significant enough to elevate a traditional Filipino dessert and the experience as a whole. This just goes to show how even a simple twist can take a Filipino classic into a whole new different level.

The Long Kow Vermicelli is Sapporo’s flagship product. For more information, you can visit their website.

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