Lemon Curd.

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Heatproof whisk
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus zester
• Citrus juicer
• Heatproof bowl
• Glass jars or airtight containers

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 large egg yolks
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash the lemons thoroughly before zesting. Grate only the yellow portion of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice the lemons and strain out any seeds.
2. Cut the butter into small cubes and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Base

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together:
2. Sugar
3. Eggs
4. Egg yolks
5. Lemon juice
6. Lemon zest
7. Salt
8. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar begins dissolving.

Step 3: Cook the Lemon Curd

1. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Cook while whisking constantly.
3. The mixture will gradually become thicker as the eggs cook.
4. Avoid allowing it to boil vigorously, as this may scramble the eggs.
5. Continue whisking for approximately 8–12 minutes until the curd coats the back of a spoon.
6. A thermometer should read approximately 170–175°F (77–80°C).

Step 4: Add the Butter

1. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
2. Add the butter cubes a few at a time while whisking continuously.
3. The butter will melt into the curd, creating an exceptionally smooth and glossy texture.
4. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.

Step 5: Strain

1. Pour the finished curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
2. This removes any bits of cooked egg and the larger pieces of zest, creating an incredibly silky finish.

Step 6: Cool

1. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
2. Allow the curd to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
3. Transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
4. It will continue thickening as it chills.

Nutrition

Calories: 75 · Protein: 1g · Fat: 5g · Carbohydrates: 8g · Saturated Fat: 3g · Fiber: 0g · Sugar: 8g · Sodium: 12mg