Lemon Curd
Lemon juice, zest, sugar, butter and eggs stirred over gentle heat into a glossy, tart, spreadable curd. Twenty-five minutes.
Method
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Put the lemon zest, juice, sugar and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water.
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Stir until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
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Beat the eggs and the yolk together, strain them into the bowl and stir constantly.
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Cook, stirring, for 10 to 12 minutes, until the curd is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and reaches 75°C / 167°F.
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Strain through a fine sieve into a bowl to remove the zest and any specks of egg.
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Pour into a sterilised jar, cover the surface with baking paper and seal when cold.
Chef’s Tips
- Keep the heat gentle. Above 85°C the eggs scramble.
- Stir constantly and scrape the sides of the bowl.
- Strain it. It takes a minute and makes the curd perfectly smooth.
Pairing Suggestions
- Buttered scones
- Toast
- Victoria sponge
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate in a sterilised jar up to 2 weeks. Freeze for 3 months.
Common questions
How long does Lemon Curd take to make?
About 25 minutes in total — 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 20.
What are the key tips for making Lemon Curd?
Keep the heat gentle. Above 85°C the eggs scramble. Stir constantly and scrape the sides of the bowl. Strain it. It takes a minute and makes the curd perfectly smooth.
What should I serve with Lemon Curd?
Buttered scones; Toast; Victoria sponge.
Can Lemon Curd be made ahead or frozen?
Refrigerate in a sterilised jar up to 2 weeks. Freeze for 3 months.
Is Lemon Curd suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb and keto. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Lemon Curd?
About 76 kcal per serving, with 1 g protein, 9 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
Reader Reviews
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Written and tested by Turab
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