Are you craving a classic dessert that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Lemon Meringue Pie recipe! This isn't your grandma's pie – it’s a vibrant, zesty masterpiece made even better with the help of Argo cornstarch for that perfect, silky smooth filling. This recipe is perfect for home bakers of all levels, offering a delicious homemade treat without hours spent in the kitchen. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas, or a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes
- 5-7 tablespoons ice water
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Argo cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in fats: Add cold butter and shortening. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the fats into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water gradually: Sprinkle ice water, a tablespoon at a time, into the mixture, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork. Blind bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then remove the weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden.
Making the Lemon Filling:
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, Argo cornstarch, and salt.
- Add water and lemon juice: Gradually whisk in water and lemon juice until smooth.
- Cook the mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 minute, or until thickened.
- Temper the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and egg yolks. Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot lemon mixture to temper the eggs.
- Combine and cook: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining lemon mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens further.
- Stir in butter and zest: Remove from heat and stir in butter and lemon zest until melted and incorporated.
Making the Meringue:
- Beat egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add cream of tartar: Add cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar: Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until glossy and stiff peaks form.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the lemon filling into the baked pie crust. Spread the meringue evenly over the filling, sealing the edges to the crust.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden brown.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade lemon curd instead of the lemon filling recipe.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon extract to the filling for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
- You can use other types of citrus fruits, such as lime or orange, in the filling.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour in the crust. Consider using a gluten-free pie crust mix for convenience.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 18-22g Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g Protein: Approximately 5-6g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade lemon meringue pie! This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It's perfect for those seeking delicious dishes and best recipes for any occasion.