Lemon Meringue Pie

Step by step

1. 1

   In a bowl, add the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until combined. Add very cold butter cut into small pieces and beat for about 10 minutes. Add an egg and the water. Mix until combined.

   
2. 2

   Turn out onto the counter and finish bringing it together using the smearing technique (fraisage). (Shown in detail in the video)

   
3. 3

   Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour, then unwrap, break the dough apart, and bring it back together.

   
4. 4

   Roll out the dough with a rolling pin, adding flour underneath and on top to keep it from sticking, then place it over the pan and press it in so all the dough is in contact with the bottom. Trim the excess with the rolling pin.

   
5. 5

   Prick the base with a fork, cover with aluminum foil, and fill with coarse salt. This adds weight and keeps the crust from puffing up during baking.

   
6. 6

   Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, then remove the aluminum foil along with the salt.

   
7. 7

   In a bowl, beat an egg with the milk and use this mixture to brush the inside of the crusts, then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5 to 10 minutes, until golden.

   
8. 8

   Separate the egg whites from the yolks and set aside.

   
9. 9

   In a pot, add the water, lemon juice, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it boils, then lower the heat and cook for 2 more minutes.

   
10. 10

    Beat the yolks, add a bit of the hot mixture and combine quickly, then pour all the yolks into the pot and cook for 3 more minutes.

    
11. 11

    Remove from the heat and add the butter, mix it in, and pour the filling into the crust.

    
12. 12

    In another pot, add the sugar and just enough water to moisten it. Heat over high heat until the sugar dissolves completely and starts to thicken.

    
13. 13

    Beat the egg whites while slowly adding the syrup. Keep beating until it cools, then transfer the meringue to a piping bag with a tip and decorate the lemon pie.

    
14. 14

    Torch with a kitchen torch (optional)