Homemade Lemon Curd

Homemade Lemon Curd

Indulge in the zesty flavors of homemade lemon curd, a versatile spread that adds a burst of citrus to any dish. Made with simple ingredients like fresh lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter, this tangy delight is easy to whip up in your kitchen. Whether slathered on toast, layered in cakes, or spooned over yogurt, homemade lemon curd elevates any recipe with its vibrant taste and smooth texture. Discover the joy of crafting this delightful treat from scratch and infuse your meals with a touch of citrus freshness.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (200g) sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/3 cup (160 ml) fresh lemon juice (approximately 4 to 5 lemons)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cubed
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Wash lemons thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt. Zest lemons and squeeze them to extract fresh lemon juice.
2. Mix Eggs and Sugar:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until well combined and light in color.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Transfer the egg and sugar mixture to a pot. Add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
4. Incorporate Butter:
   • Once the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (approximately 10 minutes), remove the pot from heat. Gradually add cubed butter, stirring well after each addition until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Strain Mixture:
   • Pass the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or jar to remove any cooked egg or lemon zest bits, ensuring a smooth consistency.
6. Cool and Thicken:
   • Place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the lemon curd to prevent a skin from forming. Allow the curd to cool at room temperature, where it will continue to thicken.
7. Chill in Refrigerator:
   • Once cooled, transfer the lemon curd to the refrigerator and chill for a few hours or overnight. The curd will further thicken and develop flavor as it chills.
8. Serve:
   • Serve chilled lemon curd as desired. Enjoy on toast, mixed into yogurt, layered in cakes, or any other way you prefer.

Tips for Improvement:

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and aroma, avoiding bottled lemon juice.
• Maintain medium-low heat while cooking to prevent the eggs from scrambling and ensure proper thickening.
• Stir the mixture continuously to distribute heat evenly and achieve a consistent thickness.
• For a smoother texture, strain the cooked lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve.
• Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
• Allow the lemon curd to cool completely before refrigerating to ensure proper thickening.
• Choose high-quality butter for added creaminess and flavor enhancement.
• Take your time during the cooking process to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor profile.

Ideas for Serving:

• Spread lemon curd on toast, scones, or English muffins for a tangy breakfast treat.
• Use lemon curd as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, sandwich cookies, or pies to add a burst of citrus flavor.
• Mix lemon curd into yogurt or oatmeal for a refreshing and sweet breakfast option.
• Create lemon berry parfaits by layering fresh berries, whipped cream, and lemon curd for a delightful dessert.
• Incorporate lemon curd into pies, tarts, or tartlets for a tangy and vibrant filling.
• Pair lemon curd with vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert.
• Gift homemade lemon curd in decorative jars with personalized labels for a thoughtful and delicious present.