Ham and Asparagus Flan

Ingredients

Pastry

• 175g (6 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 125g (4 ounces) butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon water

Filling

• 15g (1/2 ounce) butter
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 125g (4 ounces) cooked ham, diced very small
• 75g (3 ounces) asparagus tips, blanched
• 2 medium size eggs
• 142ml (5 ounce) carton whipping cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. To make the pastry, sift the flour into a bowl and stir in the butter and water. Press the mixture into the base and up the sides of a 20 cm (8-inch) fluted flan tin. Prick the base with a fork and bake blind in a preheated oven 200 degrees C, 400 degrees F, Gas Mark 6 for 15 minutes, removing the lining paper and baking beans for the last 5 minutes.
2. For the filling, heat the butter in a pan and add the onion, fry for 5-6 minutes until golden. Cool slightly and spread over the base of the pastry case.
3. Arrange the ham and asparagus spears on top.
4. Beat together the eggs, cream and seasoning to taste and pour into the flan case.
5. Return to the oven for a further 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and golden.
6. Serve hot or cold with a crisp green salad.

Serves 6.