Ingredients
Rhubarb Preparation
- 400 grams rhubarb (about 5 stalks), sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) white granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup water
Curd Mixture
- 2 egg yolks (40 grams total)
- 2 whole large eggs (100 grams total)
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
Instructions
- Prepare Rhubarb: Slice the rhubarb into 1/2-inch thick pieces. In a 4-quart saucepan, combine the sliced rhubarb with 1/4 cup of sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes to macerate. Add 1/4 cup water and stir to mix.
- Cook Rhubarb: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning, until the rhubarb is tender.
- Purée Rhubarb: Using a medium coarse strainer over a bowl, press the cooked rhubarb through with a spoon to extract about 1 cup of purée. Set aside and allow it to cool to room temperature. You can refrigerate the purée up to 2 days if not using immediately.
- Mix Curd Ingredients: In a clean, nonreactive saucepan, combine the rhubarb purée, lemon juice, and the remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Whisk to combine and taste, adding extra sugar by tablespoon increments if more sweetness is desired. Whisk in the egg yolks and whole eggs until fully blended.
- Cook Curd: Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously to prevent curdling. Heat until the mixture reaches 190°F (88°C), making sure it does not boil. Once the temperature is reached, remove from heat.
- Incorporate Butter: Whisk in the unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until fully melted and incorporated, resulting in a smooth curd.
- Strain and Chill: Strain the curd through a fine sieve to remove any solids for a smooth texture. Cover the surface of the curd with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate overnight to thicken. The curd can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Do not leave the rhubarb unattended while cooking to avoid burning.
- The leftover rhubarb pulp in the strainer can be used in muffins, quick breads, or stirred into oatmeal for added flavor.
- Constant whisking during cooking prevents the eggs from curdling.
- Covering the curd surface with plastic wrap prevents a skin from forming as it cools.
- Adjust sweetness after combining rhubarb purée and sugar based on personal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian