Description
Delia Smith’s Lemon Meringue Pie is a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors. The pie consists of a shortcrust pastry base, filled with a tangy, homemade lemon curd, and topped with a billowy meringue. The meringue is baked until golden and slightly crisp, giving way to a soft, marshmallow-like interior that complements the citrusy lemon filling perfectly. It’s a timeless dessert that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- Plain flour: 175g
- Butter: 75g, chilled and cubed
- Icing sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Egg yolk: 1
- Cold water: 1-2 tablespoons
For the Lemon Filling:
- Cornflour: 25g
- Caster sugar: 200g
- Lemons: 2 large, zest and juice
- Egg yolks: 3
- Butter: 40g
- Water: 300ml
For the Meringue:
- Egg whites: 3 large
- Caster sugar: 175g
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry Base
- Prepare the pastry: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and icing sugar. Rub in the chilled butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to fit your pie dish. Carefully line the dish with the pastry, trimming the edges.
- Chill and bake: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Chill the pastry in the fridge for 20 minutes, then prick the base with a fork. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes until the base is golden. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling
- Mix the cornflour: In a small bowl, blend the cornflour with a little water to make a smooth paste.
- Make the lemon curd: In a saucepan, heat 300ml of water with the lemon zest and juice. Stir in the sugar and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the cornflour paste and whisk continuously until thickened.
- Add the egg yolks and butter: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the egg yolks and butter until smooth and glossy. Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked pastry case and spread evenly.
Step 3: Make the Meringue
- Beat the egg whites: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the caster sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while whisking continuously until the meringue is thick and glossy.
- Top the pie: Spoon the meringue onto the lemon filling, spreading it to the edges of the pie. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls or peaks for a decorative finish.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Bake to perfection: Lower the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F) and bake the pie for 20-25 minutes, or until the meringue is golden and crisp on the outside.
- Cool before serving: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.