Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Posset is a classic British dessert that is wonderfully rich, creamy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. This dessert is incredibly simple to make with just three ingredients, yet it delivers an indulgent, luxurious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The lemon posset is smooth and silky, with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it an ideal finish to any meal.
What is Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Posset Recipe?
Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Posset is a traditional British dessert made from cream, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice thickens the cream, creating a rich, velvety custard-like texture without the need for eggs or gelatin. This dessert is served chilled and is often garnished with fresh berries or a dusting of lemon zest.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just three ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
- Rich and Creamy: The posset is incredibly smooth and creamy, with a luxurious texture.
- Bright and Tangy: The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the cream.
- Quick and Easy: This dessert takes just minutes to prepare, with minimal effort.
- Nigella’s Signature Touch: Known for her indulgent recipes, Nigella Lawson’s lemon posset is a must-try for dessert lovers.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Lawson Lemon Posset
- 600ml double cream (heavy cream)
- 150g caster sugar
- Juice of 2 large lemons (about 75ml)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Citrus juicer
- Fine sieve
- Serving glasses or ramekins
- Cling film (for covering)
Instructions to Make Nigella Lawson Lemon Posset
- Heat the Cream and Sugar: Pour the double cream into a medium saucepan and add the caster sugar. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cream mixture to cool slightly. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing well until fully incorporated. The acidity of the lemon juice will cause the cream to thicken.
- Strain the Mixture: To ensure a smooth texture, strain the lemon posset mixture through a fine sieve into a pouring jug. This step removes any lemon pulp or undissolved sugar.
- Pour into Glasses: Carefully pour the mixture into serving glasses or ramekins, dividing it evenly. Allow the possets to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Chill: Once cooled, cover the glasses with cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set. The possets should have a thick, custard-like consistency when ready to serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with a little lemon zest or fresh berries for added color and flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy!
What Goes Well With Nigella Lawson Lemon Posset?
- Shortbread Biscuits: The buttery, crumbly texture of shortbread pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy posset.
- Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries on top for a burst of freshness.
- Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich dessert.
- Lemon Zest: Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra zing of citrus flavor.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can add an extra layer of indulgence.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigella Lawson Lemon Posset
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor, so avoid using bottled lemon juice.
- Simmer Gently: Ensure the cream and sugar mixture simmers gently to avoid scorching and to allow the sugar to dissolve properly.
- Chill Thoroughly: Make sure the possets are fully chilled and set before serving for the best texture.
- Strain for Smoothness: Straining the mixture before pouring into glasses helps remove any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth dessert.
- Avoid Overheating the Cream: Once the cream reaches a gentle boil, simmer it for just a few minutes. Overheating can cause the cream to curdle.
Easy Variations of Nigella Lawson Lemon Posset Recipe
- Lime Posset: Substitute some of the lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
- Berry Posset: Add a layer of berry compote at the bottom of the glasses before pouring in the lemon posset mixture.
- Lemon and Lavender: Infuse the cream with a few sprigs of lavender before adding the lemon juice for a floral note.
- Honey Posset: Replace the caster sugar with honey for a different sweetness and a more complex flavor.
- Ginger Lemon Posset: Add a hint of grated fresh ginger to the cream for a spicy kick.
Best Practices to Store Nigella Lawson Lemon Posset
- Refrigerate Immediately: Once the posset has cooled, cover and refrigerate it to allow it to set properly.
- Store in the Fridge: Lemon posset can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
- Serve Cold: Always serve lemon posset chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Best Practices to Serve Nigella Lawson Lemon Posset
- Serve in Clear Glasses: Serving in clear glasses allows the beautiful, pale yellow color of the posset to shine through.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: Add garnishes like berries, zest, or mint right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Pair with Biscuits: Serve with a side of biscuits or shortbread for a textural contrast.
How Can I Make Nigella Lawson Lemon Posset Healthier?
- Use Light Cream: Substitute some of the double cream with light cream or half-and-half to reduce the fat content.
- Reduce Sugar: Decrease the amount of sugar by 25% for a less sweet, more tangy posset.
- Use Stevia or Honey: Replace the caster sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or honey.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Serve with plenty of fresh fruit on the side to add fiber and nutrients to the dessert.
- Smaller Portions: Serve in smaller glasses to enjoy a lighter portion of this rich dessert.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
FAQs
Why is my lemon posset not setting?
If your lemon posset is not setting, it could be because the cream mixture wasn’t simmered long enough. The cream needs to simmer for at least 3 minutes to thicken properly. Additionally, ensure that you’ve used enough lemon juice, as the acidity is crucial for setting the posset. Make sure to refrigerate the posset for at least 2 hours to allow it to fully set.
Can you freeze lemon posset?
Freezing lemon posset is not recommended because it can alter the texture, making it grainy or watery when thawed. Lemon posset is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How long does lemon posset last in the fridge?
Lemon posset can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, consume it within this time frame. Ensure that it is well covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
Can I make lemon posset ahead of time?
Yes, lemon posset is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining, as it allows you to focus on other preparations on the day of your event.
Why did my lemon posset curdle?
Lemon posset can curdle if the cream is overheated or if the lemon juice is added too quickly to the hot cream. To avoid curdling, ensure that you simmer the cream gently and allow it to cool slightly before slowly stirring in the lemon juice. Straining the mixture after adding the lemon juice can also help achieve a smooth texture.
Final Words
Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Posset is a simple yet elegant dessert that is sure to impress. With its silky-smooth texture and bright, tangy flavor, it’s the perfect way to end any meal. This recipe is quick to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. Give it a try and enjoy the refreshing taste of lemon in every spoonful!
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Nigella Lawson Lemon Posset
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: British
Description
Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Posset is a traditional British dessert made from cream, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice thickens the cream, creating a rich, velvety custard-like texture without the need for eggs or gelatin. This dessert is served chilled and is often garnished with fresh berries or a dusting of lemon zest.
Ingredients
- 600ml double cream (heavy cream)
- 150g caster sugar
- Juice of 2 large lemons (about 75ml)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Cream and Sugar: Pour the double cream into a medium saucepan and add the caster sugar. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cream mixture to cool slightly. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing well until fully incorporated. The acidity of the lemon juice will cause the cream to thicken.
- Strain the Mixture: To ensure a smooth texture, strain the lemon posset mixture through a fine sieve into a pouring jug. This step removes any lemon pulp or undissolved sugar.
- Pour into Glasses: Carefully pour the mixture into serving glasses or ramekins, dividing it evenly. Allow the possets to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Chill: Once cooled, cover the glasses with cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set. The possets should have a thick, custard-like consistency when ready to serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with a little lemon zest or fresh berries for added color and flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy!
