Cuinat y flaó . These are the two most traditional dishes of Easter in the Pitiusas. The popular cheesecake and mint tart is a must in most restaurants on the island, but preparing it at home is very simple. Much more than it seems. It may scare some people to prepare the dough, but it’s really easy. And quick. With flaó there are no half measures, when you try it for the first time it is a matter of love or revulsion. The mixture of cheese with mint surprises and although most people fall in love with it and after that first bite there is no turning back, some palates do not assimilate this combination of flavors. Like everything in traditional gastronomy, it was prepared with whatever cheese was available at home. In recent times, many recipes include fresh cheese, which reduces the flavor, but I like it without that mixture, with a single tasty cheese.
Flaó, the typical dessert of Easter in Ibiza / M. T.
Ingredients (for eight people)
For the dough:
250 grams of flour (0.20) 1 pinch of salt 30 grams of sugar (0.05) zest of one lemon (0.55) half a glass of olive oil (0.93) 1 shot of aniseed (1.1) 1 teaspoon of aniseed (0.4) 1 teaspoon of matalaúva (0.4)
For the filling:
250 grams of sugar (0,34€) 4 eggs (0,8€) 400 grams of sheep cheese (8,64€ / 13,6€ if it is from Eivissa) mint (0,59€)
Total price
13,6/18,56€
1.7/2.32 per person
Preparation
-Mix all the ingredients of the dough until you obtain a paste that does not stick to your hands. Roll it out on a flat surface with a rolling pin until it is very, very thin.
-Grease with a little olive oil a notched mould and place the dough on top, sticking it well to the folds of the edges and making sure there are no holes.
-Light the oven at 180 degrees to heat it up while preparing the filling, which is quick.
-In a deep bowl beat the eggs with a fork. Add the sugar and continue stirring until it is perfectly integrated. Add the cheese, you can grate it not too fine or crumble it with your hands. Those who prefer a very fine filling can give it a touch of whisk, but it is not necessary.
-Add the chopped mint (reserving the most beautiful leaves for decoration) and integrate it well with a fork. Do not even think of using the blender now if you do not want a Hulk-like flaó.
The ‘flaó’, in the oven. / M. T.
-Fill the dough with this mixture, place the mint leaves reserved for decoration and bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.
-Let it cool and, if you want, you can add a little sprinkled sugar.
The gourmet touch
Instead of sugar sprinkled on top, serve with a few strands of Ibiza honey.