Begin by zesting all three oranges and the lemon. Be careful to only remove the colorful outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. You should aim for at least one tablespoon of orange zest and one teaspoon of lemon zest. This zest is where the flavor really starts!
Next, cut one to two of the oranges and squeeze out half a cup of fresh orange juice. Don’t forget to squeeze the lemon as well, measuring out one tablespoon of lemon juice to add a refreshing tang to your curd.
Grab a small saucepan and set it over medium heat. Add the freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, all the orange zest, lemon zest, granulated sugar, eggs, butter, and salt into the pot. This combination is going to create a wonderfully fragrant mixture!
Using a whisk, gently mix the ingredients together as the butter starts to melt. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and no clumps remain. The mixture should be smooth and glossy at this stage.
Once it’s all mixed, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring consistently to prevent it from scorching. You’ll begin to notice the colors deepening and the fragrance filling your kitchen. This is the moment of magic!
When the curd reaches a boil, lower the heat if necessary to keep a steady simmer. Continue to cook and stir for about five to six minutes. You're looking for the mixture to thicken up beautifully, sticking to the back of a spoon.
As you stir, use a rubber spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot. This will help ensure that none of the curd sticks and burns as it thickens. You'll know it's done when it coats the spatula and has a velvety texture.
Remove the pot from the heat, and let the curd cool slightly before transferring it to a clean jar. As it cools, it will continue to thicken, resulting in a perfect consistency.
Once cooled, transfer your Easy Orange Curd to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy it within two weeks for the freshest taste!
