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Easy Orange Curd

Easy Orange Curd

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 cup 1x
  • Category: Condiments
  • Method: Stovetop Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Easy Orange Curd is a bright, tangy, and smooth citrus spread made from fresh orange juice and zest, egg yolks, butter, and sugar. Perfect for spreading on toast, filling cakes, or enjoying by the spoonful, it offers a luscious creamy texture combined with vibrant flavors. This simple recipe takes under 30 minutes and is free from preservatives, making it a fresh and versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Primary Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
  • Zest of 2 oranges (avoid the white pith)
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oranges: Carefully zest the oranges, avoiding the bitter white pith, then juice them until you have about 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice.
  2. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the 3 egg yolks with 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture lightens in color and becomes slightly frothy to help create a delicate texture.
  3. Cook the mixture gently: In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and the egg yolk-sugar mixture. Stir constantly until the curd thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Be patient and keep the heat low to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
  4. Add butter and salt: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the cold unsalted butter pieces and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the butter melts completely and the curd becomes silky and smooth.
  5. Strain and cool: For an ultra-smooth finish, strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove zest bits and any cooked egg lumps. Transfer to a clean jar or container and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Notes

  • Use fresh oranges for the best authentic flavor; bottled juice will work but results won’t be as vibrant.
  • Cook the curd over low heat and stir constantly to prevent egg curdling.
  • Straining the curd gives a velvety, professional texture by removing lumps and zest bits.
  • Store the curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • You can freeze the curd in small portions for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
  • Reheat gently in a double boiler or microwave on low with frequent stirring to keep the smooth texture intact.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Protein: 1.2g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/easy-orange-curd/