Lemon curd

Lemon Curd - a quick and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Lemon curd is a refined and versatile dessert, perfect for adding a touch of freshness and acidity to your dishes. This simple recipe will guide you step by step, and the result will be a smooth cream with an intense lemon flavor, ideal for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or even as a topping for ice cream.

Ingredients:
- 4 large lemons (for juice and zest)
- 3 large eggs
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 100 g unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- A pinch of salt

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the lemons well, as you will need both their juice and zest. Use a fine grater to obtain the lemon zest, being careful not to include the white part, which is bitter. After that, squeeze the juice from the lemons; you need about 120 ml of fresh juice.

Step 2: Mixing the eggs
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Make sure the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fine texture for the lemon curd.

Step 3: Combining the ingredients
Add the lemon zest, freshly squeezed juice, butter, and cornstarch to the bowl with the eggs. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a uniform mixture. The cornstarch will help thicken the curd and give it a velvety consistency.

Step 4: Cooking in a double boiler
Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. It is important to stir constantly with a silicone spatula or whisk to prevent lumps from forming and burning. Cook the mixture for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens and reaches a consistency similar to that of thicker cream.

Step 5: Cooling
Once the curd has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Afterwards, you can transfer the lemon curd to a sterilized jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Serving suggestions and variations
Lemon curd is delicious served on biscuits, toast, or even as a filling for cakes and pastries. You can add a teaspoon of vanilla or a few mint leaves to the mixture for an extra touch of flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a more intense taste, you can experiment with other citrus fruits, such as limes or oranges, to create colorful and delicious variations.

Ways to use
Use lemon curd as a topping for pancakes or waffles, add it to your favorite yogurt, or spread it on a tart crust for an elegant dessert. This simple and quick recipe will transform your meals and bring a touch of freshness and vitality to every bite.

So, don't hesitate to try this lemon curd recipe, a quick and versatile dessert that will surely impress anyone who tastes it!