Nigella Lawson’s Buttermilk Scone Recipe Delivers Fluffy Perfection

Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson has shared her secret to achieving light and fluffy scones, a beloved treat across the globe. By incorporating buttermilk into her recipe, Lawson elevates the texture of her scones, making them a delectable option for any occasion, particularly when paired with clotted cream and jam.

The use of buttermilk is crucial in Lawson’s approach. It serves to break down gluten, resulting in an airy consistency that distinguishes her scones from standard recipes. As noted in her recipe, “Until you have made a batch of Nigella’s buttermilk scones, you won’t have any idea how easy they are to throw together.” From start to finish, the preparation and baking time is approximately 20 minutes, making this a quick option for those craving a warm treat.

Ingredients for Nigella’s Buttermilk Scones:
– 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

Instructions:
To begin, preheat the oven to 220°C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour with bicarbonate of soda, cream of tartar, and sugar. Chop the 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.

Next, pour in the buttermilk, mixing everything together to form a cohesive dough. Lightly flour your work surface and shape the dough into an oblong about 4cm thick. Use a fluted cutter to cut out 6cm rounds. Place the scones on the lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.

Bake the scones for approximately 12 minutes. They will be ready when they feel light and dry on the bottom. Once out of the oven, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool before serving.

For those who like to plan ahead, making a larger batch is advisable. Scones can be frozen and enjoyed later, offering a convenient option for an impromptu cream tea. If you have day-old scones, they can be revived by warming them in an oven preheated to 150°C for five to ten minutes.

Nigella Lawson’s buttermilk scones not only showcase her culinary expertise but also highlight the joy of baking with simple, effective ingredients. Whether served at a lavish afternoon tea or enjoyed as a casual snack, these scones promise to impress with their exceptional lightness and flavor.