06 Jun 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp orange zest
1/2 cup orange juice
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
4 yolks
Blood orange curd is a vibrant, tangy, and sweet spread that's perfect for adding a burst of citrus flavor to your desserts or breakfast treats. This curd is made with fresh blood oranges, providing a unique twist on the classic lemon curd. Whether you spread it on toast, fill your favorite pastries, or use it as a topping for yogurt, blood orange curd is sure to delight your taste buds.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Zest the blood oranges until you have 2 tablespoons of zest.
- Juice the blood oranges until you have 1/2 cup of juice.
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites and set the yolks aside.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized, heatproof bowl, add the blood orange zest, juice, sugar, and butter cubes.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water to create a double boiler. Ensure the bowl does not touch the water.
3. Heat Mixture:
- Stir the mixture occasionally until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is combined.
4. Add Egg Yolks:
- In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks.
- Gradually whisk a small amount of the warm orange mixture into the yolks to temper them (this prevents the yolks from scrambling).
- Slowly pour the tempered yolks back into the bowl with the orange mixture, whisking continuously.
5. Cook the Curd:
- Continue to cook the mixture over simmering water, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should take about 10-15 minutes. The curd is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and can hold a line drawn through it.
6. Strain the Curd:
- Once thickened, remove the curd from the heat.
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any zest or bits of cooked egg yolk, ensuring a smooth curd.
7. Cool and Store:
- Allow the curd to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the cooled curd into a clean, airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Make sure to use fresh blood oranges for the best flavor and color.
- When zesting the oranges, avoid the white pith, which can be bitter.
- Constantly stir the curd while cooking to prevent it from curdling.
- Strain the curd through a fine sieve after cooking to achieve a smooth texture.
- Store the curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Blood orange curd is a delightful and versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Its bright color and bold flavor can enhance a variety of dishes, from simple breakfasts to elaborate desserts. With these tips and the right ingredients, you'll be able to create a batch of delicious blood orange curd that everyone will love.