Tangy, sweet, and bursting with tropical flavor, passionfruit curd is a versatile delight. This sunshine-colored spread can elevate your breakfast routine, add a zing to desserts, or become a delightful snack straight from the jar.
Making passionfruit curd at home is easier than you might think. It requires minimal ingredients and yields a luxurious, restaurant-worthy spread.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- ⅔ cup passionfruit pulp (seeds optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 115g unsalted butter, cubed and cold
Instructions:
-
Whisk it all together: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the sugar, passionfruit pulp, eggs, egg yolks, and lemon zest. Ensure everything is well combined.
-
Gentle heat and patience: Place the saucepan over low-medium heat and begin whisking constantly. The goal is to dissolve the sugar and slowly cook the eggs without scrambling them. This process can take 5-10 minutes, so be patient and keep whisking!
-
Butter bliss: Once the mixture thickens slightly, remove the pan from the heat. Gradually add the cubed butter, a few pieces at a time, whisking continuously until each piece melts and incorporates before adding the next.
-
Straining for smoothness (optional): If you prefer a perfectly smooth curd, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve at this point. This removes any cooked egg bits and passionfruit seeds, depending on your preference.
-
Chill and enjoy! Pour the passionfruit curd into a clean, sterilized jar. Cover the jar with plastic wrap, ensuring the plastic directly touches the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the curd for at least 2 hours, or until chilled and thickened.
Tips and Tricks:
- Passionfruit prep: For the passionfruit pulp, you can either scoop out the seeds and pulp directly from the fruit or purchase frozen passionfruit pulp. If using the seeds, consider straining them out after whisking them in if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Double boiler method: If you're nervous about heat control, you can use a double boiler method. Fill a larger saucepan with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place your smaller saucepan containing the curd mixture on top of the simmering water, ensuring the bottom doesn't touch the simmering water. Proceed with whisking and cooking the curd as directed.
- Sweet and tart balance: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your taste. If your passionfruit is particularly tart, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
Passionfruit Curd Delights:
- Breakfast bliss: Swirl passionfruit curd into yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Tea time treat: Elevate your scones or muffins with a dollop of passionfruit curd.
- Tartastic twist: Fill tart shells with passionfruit curd and top with fresh fruit for a show-stopping dessert.
- The simple pleasure: Enjoy a spoonful of passionfruit curd straight from the jar for a tangy and satisfying treat.
With its vibrant flavor and endless uses, homemade passionfruit curd is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. So, grab some fresh passionfruit (or frozen pulp), and whip up a jar of sunshine today!