Blueberry & Lemon Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries in a luscious and creamy filling. This pie is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with a buttery crust, a smooth and tangy lemon cream, and a burst of fresh blueberries. It’s a delightful treat that is sure to impress and satisfy any dessert lover’s cravings.

The exact origin of Blueberry & Lemon Pie is not well-documented, but the combination of lemon and blueberries has been a popular flavor pairing in desserts for many years. Lemon and blueberries complement each other beautifully, with the bright acidity of the lemon enhancing the sweetness of the blueberries.

Blueberries have been enjoyed for centuries by various cultures, and they have been a part of traditional dishes, including pies, tarts, and cakes. Lemons, with their zesty and refreshing flavor, have also been used in desserts, providing a burst of citrusy brightness.

The combination of these two ingredients in a pie likely came about as a creative way to celebrate the delicious flavors of both lemon and blueberries in one delightful dessert. Over time, this pie has become a beloved treat, especially during the summer when blueberries are in season.

INGREDIENTS

CRUST:

• 1 cup (150g) flour
• 2 tablespoons (30g) caster sugar
• 100g butter, not completely cold
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

CREAM:

• 66g egg yolks
• 55g caster sugar
• 1 vanilla bean
• 42g plain flour or custard powder
• 275g whole milk
• 15g butter
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 leaf gelatin
• 150ml heavy cream, whipped to medium peaks

TOPPING:

• 250g blueberries
• Some meringues to assemble the pie
• Blueberry preserve or jam
• Icing sugar for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS

CRUST:

1. Sieve the flour and stir in the sugar. Using your fingertips, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk, water, and vanilla. Use your fingertips to mix together to form a smooth dough. Gather the pastry into a ball without kneading. Cover with clingfilm and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F). Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thick and line a 20cm tart tin. Prick the base of the pastry case with a fork and chill for 15 minutes.
4. Place a large piece of baking paper over the base and sides of the pastry. Fill the case with baking beans. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the case is just set, then remove the paper and beans and cook empty for a further 10 minutes or until done.

CREAM:

1. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, caster sugar, and the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean until pale yellow and thick.
2. Add flour or custard powder and mix for about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, add the milk, and mix again.
3. Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until it thickens. Whisk as the cream comes to a simmer, then cook for about 5 more minutes until thickened.
4. Pour the pastry cream through a strainer, then whisk in the lemon zest and butter. Press plastic wrap against the surface to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

LEMON CREAM:

1. Soak the gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.
2. Transfer one-fourth of the cream to a small saucepan and gently heat up the pastry cream.
3. Remove from heat, add the soaked gelatin, and stir to dissolve.
4. Transfer the warm pastry cream to a bowl with the rest of the pastry cream and mix until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream and refrigerate for about 4 hours to firm up.

ASSEMBLE:

1. Stir the pastry cream until it has a creamy consistency.
2. Fill the pastry crust with the lemon cream and top with fresh blueberries.
3. Gently warm the blueberry preserve or jam and drizzle over the fresh blueberries.
4. Crumble some meringues and sprinkle over the pie. Finish off with a dusting of icing sugar.

Blueberry & Lemon Pie is a delightful and refreshing dessert, perfect for any occasion or a sweet ending to a meal. The tangy lemon cream balances perfectly with the sweetness of the blueberries, and the buttery crust adds a delicious crunch to each bite. Enjoy this pie as a treat for yourself or share it with loved ones to bring a touch of summer to any gathering.