Teresa's Recipes
Peruvian Leche Asada
Indulge in the tempting flavors of Peru with this traditional Leche Asada recipe. This custardy dessert is a cherished Peruvian treat, similar to a luscious caramel flan, but with its own unique twist. The delicate balance of sweetened milk, eggs, and fragrant vanilla, highlighted by a hint of cinnamon and the zest of a lemon, creates a dessert that's delightfully creamy and satisfyingly sweet.
Ingredients
- Zest of 1 lemon Lemon
- 1 teaspoon, ground Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 4, large Eggs
- 1 cup Sugar
- 4 cups, whole Milk
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Sugar: 39g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat just until it starts to simmer. Once it does, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest. Whisk these together until they're well mixed.
- Gradually pour the warm milk into your egg mixture. Make sure to whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Strain the combined mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate any potential lumps, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
- Evenly distribute the strained mixture into individual ramekins or pour it into a single baking dish.
- Place your chosen vessel(s) into a larger baking pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins or baking dish. This creates a 'water bath' to help the Leche Asada bake evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the center slightly jiggles when shaken lightly.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the Leche Asada to fully set.
- Serve chilled, and savor the taste of this classic Peruvian delight!
Tips
- For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- The Leche Asada can be made a day in advance, making it a perfect dessert for dinner parties.