Winter is the time that Meyers lemons are ripe and they make a spectacular curd!
2 lemons, zested and juiced
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
3/4 cup caster sugar
8 tbs. butter
Beat together the eggs, egg yolks and sugar in a jug. Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over a low heat. Gradually pour in the egg mixture and add the lemon juice and zest. Stir constantly until the curd thickens.
This delicious and citrus-spiked rice is served with toasted black mustard seeds on top for a wonderful contrast and crunch.
1 tbs. vegetable oil
1 cup plus 2 tbs. basmati rice
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. dried mint
juice and zest of 1 lemon
approx. 2 1/4 cups water
1/2 tsp. salt (or more to taste)
1 tbs. black mustard seeds
Chose a saucepan with a close-fitting lid. Heat the oil gently before adding the rice. Stir to get a good coating, then add the turmeric and mint. Stir in the lemon juice, water and salt, bring to a boil, then reduce to low, clamp on the lid and simmer for about 15 minutes. The water should be absorbed and the rice tender. Add more water if needed.
Remove the lid, drape a tea towel over the top, replace the lid and leave to sit off the heat for about 30 minutes.
While the rice is sitting, fry the mustard seeds in a small frying pan for a few minutes to toast. Serve the rice sprinkled with the seeds and the lemon zest.
Serves 4-6
This lovely chicken recipe is a doddle to make and gorgeous to eat!
8 – 10 chicken pieces
1 head garlic, separated but unpeeled
2 lemons, cut into eighths
small handful fresh thyme, most leaves removed, but a few left intact to serve
3 tbs. olive oil
10 tbs. white wine or vermouth
black pepper
Heat the oven to 300°F. Put the chicken in a roasting pan along with the garlic, lemons and the thyme leaves. Pour in the olive oil, then mix everything together with your hands. Sprinkle over the wine and grind in the pepper.
Cover tightly with foil and roast for 2 hours. Turn the heat up to 400°F, remove the foil and roast for 30-45 more minutes or until the skin is browned and the lemons are caramelized. Toss over the remaining thyme sprigs and serve.
Serves 4 – 6
Cooking with Nigella 