Nigella Lawson’s Secret Ingredient for Perfectly Fluffy Scones

Renowned chef and food writer Nigella Lawson has revealed a simple yet effective ingredient that elevates her scone recipe to new heights. Known for their delightful taste, scones can be enjoyed both sweet and savoury, particularly when paired with clotted cream and jam. Lawson incorporates buttermilk into her scones, a choice that not only enhances flavor but also contributes to an exceptionally light and fluffy texture.

The magic of buttermilk lies in its ability to break down gluten, resulting in a tender bake. According to Lawson, “Until you have made a batch of Nigella’s buttermilk scones, you won’t have any idea how easy they are to throw together.” She emphasizes that the entire process, from preparation to baking, can be completed in under twenty minutes. This quick turnaround makes her recipe appealing for those seeking a speedy yet delicious treat.

Buttermilk Scone Recipe

For those eager to try this recipe, here are the essential ingredients and steps:

– 500g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
– Two teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda
– Two teaspoons of cream of tartar
– Two teaspoons of caster sugar
– 50g unsalted butter
– 25g vegetable shortening
– 300ml buttermilk
– One free-range egg, beaten

To begin, preheat your oven to 220°C and prepare a large baking sheet lined with baking parchment. In a mixing bowl, combine the plain flour with the bicarbonate of soda, cream of tartar, and caster sugar. Next, chop the unsalted butter and vegetable shortening into small pieces, adding them to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the fats into the flour until well combined.

Gradually pour in the buttermilk, mixing everything together to form a dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and pat it down into an oblong shape about 4cm thick. Use a fluted cutter to cut out scones, each measuring around 6cm in diameter. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg, which will give them a lovely golden color when baked.

Bake the scones for approximately 12 minutes. They are ready when the bottoms are dry and they feel light to the touch. Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack before serving them with clotted cream and jam.

Storage and Reviving Tips

For those looking to prepare in advance, Lawson suggests making a larger batch of scones and freezing them for later use. This approach allows for a near-instant cream tea experience on future occasions. If you have day-old scones, they can be revived by warming them in an oven preheated to 150°C for about five to ten minutes.

Nigella Lawson’s approach to baking scones highlights the ease and joy of creating this classic treat. With buttermilk as her secret weapon, home bakers can achieve impressive results with minimal effort, allowing for delightful indulgence at any time.