Leek & Courgette Flan with Chia Seed Pastry

So, here's another really clever way to incorporate chia seeds into a family meal.  This is also a really easy pastry that doesn't need chilling and rolling.

Pastry Ingredients - (this just about makes a 9 inch pie shell.  I need to rework the amounts to fit the size better.)

90g Butter
2-1/2 tbsp milk
salt
2 tbsp Chia seeds
1 cup Self-raising flour - (less 2 tbsp)
1/2 tsp Baking powder


Put the butter and milk in a pan over a low heat, just until the butter melts.

Finely grind the chia seeds.  (I used my little coffee grinder).  Mix the ground seeds with the flour and baking powder, then add the flour mixture to the butter and milk.  Stir well, to form a ball.  Gently pat into a lightly buttered pie plate, keeping it as even as possible and building up the sides.  (I like to keep it very thin on the bottom and then allow the sides to be a little thicker).

Put aside, in the fridge, while preparing the filling.


Filling Ingredients

Butter
3 cloves Garlic - crushed
2 Leeks - washed and sliced
1 large Courgette (Zucchini) - sliced
1 Red Pepper (Capsicum) - chopped
3 large Eggs
1/2 tub Creme Fraiche (sour cream)
1/2 cup Milk
Strong cheese - grated


Preheat oven to 190 degrees C.

Put a good size knob of butter into a pan, add the garlic and leeks, stirring well until the leeks start to soften.  Add the courgettes and peppers, stir, then pop the lid on the pan and leave to soften and create a little of their own juices.

Meanwhile, beat the eggs well.  Stir in the creme fraiche and milk, and season to taste.

Give the veggies a good stir and pour into the pastry case.  Spread evenly.  Sprinkle a good handful, or so, of cheese over the top.  Transfer the dish to the oven shelf, then carefully pour the egg mixture over the top.  (I find this easier than pouring it all into the dish and then trying to transfer it to the oven without spills!)  Sprinkle a little paprika over the top to make it look pretty, if desired.

Bake in oven, at 190 degrees C, for approx. 20 mins.  Turn down to 180 degrees C and cook for another 15 mins.

Serve with a nice salad.  Enjoy!

Caryl ♥