Ham and Asparagus Flan recipe

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

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.

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.

Arrange the ham and asparagus spears on top.

Beat together the eggs, cream and seasoning to taste and pour into the flan case.

Return to the oven for a further 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and golden.

Serve hot or cold with a crisp green salad.

Serves 6.