Flan is a popular desert throughout Mexico.
Flan originated in Rome as a savory dish. It was usually served
alongside meat or fish. But when a chef added honey to create a sweet
version, the dish exploded in popularity, and cultures worldwide took
notice.
The Spanish adopted the recipe and added their own twist. This was the
first time sweet caramel sauce was added on top, creating the flan we
all know and love.
Flan recipes also made their way to England. As in Spain, cooks created
their own twist on the egg-based dish. The English turned flan into an
open-top pie, adding dried fruits and nuts to the custard to create a
truly unique dessert.
After Spain conquered the Yucatan Peninsula, flan soon became part of
Latin American culture. Chefs added coffee, chocolate, and coconut to
their flan recipes. Yet, unlike the English, Latin Americans kept the
basic recipe and ingredients the same.
Today, flan is a staple among Mexican home cooks and Comida corrida
restaurants.
Latin American influence has also diffused north, which is why you can
find traditional flan in many Mexican restaurants near you.