Imagine a silky-smooth, vibrant lemon curd that's been magically infused with the cool, crisp essence of fresh mint - a British-inspired delicacy that transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary experiences. This isn't just another spread; it's a tantalizing journey of bright citrus and herbaceous notes that will elevate everything from morning toast to elegant pastries. Prepare to unlock a recipe that's both sophisticated and surprisingly simple, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by zesting and juicing fresh lemons, and finely chopping mint leaves. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until smooth and pale yellow, creating a uniform mixture that will help prevent curdling.
- Add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped mint leaves to the egg mixture, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Create a double boiler by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water directly.
- Continuously whisk the mixture over low-medium heat, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to prevent any egg from scrambling.
- Gradually add cubed unsalted butter, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the mixture begins to thicken, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Test the curd's readiness by coating the back of a spoon - it should hold a clear line when you run your finger through it.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove mint leaves and ensure a smooth texture.
- Transfer the lemon curd to a clean glass jar, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the curd to set and flavors to meld. The curd will keep refrigerated for up to one week.
Tips
- • Use room temperature eggs and freshly zested lemons for the most vibrant flavor profile • Whisk constantly to prevent egg scrambling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture • Choose fresh, high-quality mint leaves for the most intense aromatic experience • Use a fine-mesh strainer to achieve an ultra-smooth, luxurious curd • Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation • For an extra flavor boost, consider using Meyer lemons for a slightly sweeter, more complex citrus note • If the curd seems too thin, continue cooking - it will thicken significantly as it cools
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
