Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Lemon Curd
Highlighted under: Homemade Dessert Recipes
A delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries, this sourdough bread is a game-changer for your breakfast or brunch.
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Lemon Curd is not just a bread; it's a celebration of flavors. The tartness of lemons combined with the sweetness of blueberries creates a perfect harmony in every slice.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright, citrusy flavors that awaken your taste buds
- Soft, chewy texture with a crispy crust
- Versatile for breakfast, dessert, or snack time
The Perfect Bread for Any Occasion
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough is not just a loaf; it's an experience that elevates your breakfast or brunch. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries offers a refreshing twist that can brighten up any meal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a lazy Sunday, this bread is sure to impress family and friends. Its versatility means it can be served as a delicious standalone treat or paired with your favorite spreads.
The chewy texture of the sourdough, along with the crispy crust, makes each bite a delightful contrast. This bread is perfect for toasting and slathering on butter or cream cheese, making it an ideal choice for breakfast. Additionally, it can double as a delectable dessert when paired with a dollop of whipped cream or served alongside fresh fruit.
Baking with Sourdough: A Culinary Adventure
Baking with sourdough is a rewarding journey that connects you with traditional baking methods. The fermentation process not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the bread's unique texture. As you craft this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough, you'll appreciate the art of patience and the joy of watching your dough rise. Each step, from mixing to baking, is an opportunity to engage with your ingredients and cultivate a deeper understanding of bread making.
Embracing sourdough also encourages experimentation. Once you master this recipe, feel free to play with different fruits or flavorings. You might find that adding raspberries or even a hint of cinnamon can create exciting new variations. The possibilities are vast, allowing you to customize your loaves to suit your palate.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
To ensure your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough stays fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freezing it. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes to revive its crusty exterior.
Serving this bread with a generous spread of homemade lemon curd takes it to the next level. The creamy, tangy curd perfectly complements the bread's flavors, creating a harmonious balance that is both indulgent and refreshing. For an extra touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving, or even add a few fresh blueberries for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a delightful baking experience:
For the Sourdough Bread
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 350ml water
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 150g fresh blueberries
For the Lemon Curd
- 3 large eggs
- 150g granulated sugar
- 100ml fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 100g unsalted butter
Make sure to have all the ingredients prepared before starting your baking adventure!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Lemon Blueberry Sourdough:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, sourdough starter, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Incorporate Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the dough, being careful not to crush them. Shape the dough into a ball.
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaf
Once risen, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a floured proofing basket and cover. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Sourdough
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Transfer the loaf to a baking stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
Make the Lemon Curd
In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth.
Serve
Allow the sourdough to cool completely before slicing. Serve with a generous spread of lemon curd.
Enjoy your freshly baked Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with a dollop of lemon curd!
Understanding Sourdough Starters
A sourdough starter is a living culture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and bacteria from the environment. This natural fermentation process is what gives sourdough its characteristic tang and chewy texture. Maintaining a healthy starter requires regular feeding and care, but the rewards are well worth it. With a bit of patience, your starter can provide you with delicious bread for years to come.
If you're new to sourdough baking, consider starting your own starter at least a week in advance. This will give it time to develop the necessary strength and flavor. There are many online resources and communities dedicated to sourdough, offering tips and support for beginners.
Lemon Curd: A Versatile Delight
Lemon curd is a luscious, creamy spread made from fresh lemons, sugar, and eggs. It adds a bright zing to any dish and can be used in various ways. Not only does it pair beautifully with this sourdough bread, but it can also be used in tarts, cakes, and even as a filling for pastries. Making lemon curd at home is simple and rewarding, and the flavor is far superior to store-bought versions.
You can experiment with lemon curd by incorporating different citrus fruits like lime or orange for unique flavor profiles. Additionally, consider infusing your curd with herbs such as basil or thyme for an unexpected twist that can elevate your desserts or breakfast dishes.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just fold them in gently while still frozen.
→ How do I store the sourdough?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I make the lemon curd in advance?
Absolutely! Lemon curd can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge.
→ What can I use instead of sourdough starter?
You can substitute with an equal amount of active dry yeast, but the flavor will differ.
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Lemon Curd
A delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries, this sourdough bread is a game-changer for your breakfast or brunch.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Homemade Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Sourdough Bread
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 350ml water
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 150g fresh blueberries
For the Lemon Curd
- 3 large eggs
- 150g granulated sugar
- 100ml fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 100g unsalted butter
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, sourdough starter, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the dough, being careful not to crush them. Shape the dough into a ball.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Once risen, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a floured proofing basket and cover. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Transfer the loaf to a baking stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth.
Allow the sourdough to cool completely before slicing. Serve with a generous spread of lemon curd.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 6g