How to Make a Traditional Italian Lemon Meringue Pie
Creating a traditional Italian Lemon Meringue Pie involves balancing the zesty flavor of lemons with the sweetness of meringue, resulting in a delightful dessert that is both refreshing and visually striking. Follow these steps to make your own classic Italian version.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
For the lemon filling:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 to 6 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the meringue:
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
3. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the rolled dough into the pan, trim the excess, and poke holes in the bottom with a fork.
5. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
1. In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks lightly. Gradually whisk in a small amount of the hot lemon mixture to temper the yolks, then return the mixture back to the saucepan.
3. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted.
4. Pour the lemon filling into the cooled pie crust and set aside to cool as you prepare the meringue.
Step 3: Prepare the Meringue
1. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
1. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking.
2. Create peaks in the meringue with a spatula or spoon for an artistic touch.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
2. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your traditional Italian lemon meringue pie and enjoy this delightful dessert with family and friends. Its tangy lemon filling coupled with the sweet, fluffy meringue is sure to impress!
This recipe not only yields a stunning dessert but also captures the essence of Italian culinary tradition, making it perfect for any occasion!