Rosie's Rhubarb
BBC Easy Cook|March 2022
Every year, forced rhubarb is one of the first seasonal vegetables to hit shop shelves. Here, Rosie Birkett explains how to make the most of it
By Rosie Birkett
Rosie's Rhubarb

British forced rhubarb is one of the seasonal specialities I look forward to the most. Available from mid-January to March (after which it's replaced by field-grown varieties), it's the life and soul of the party, announcing itself flamboyantly with its fuschia trunks and mouth-puckering sourness. Emerging in winter, this dazzling vegetable is a gateway to spring and a sign of good things to come, but it's also a reminder to enjoy what we have right now. Rhubarb simply begs to be poached in syrup or roasted with sugar, citrus and ginger until tender but still shapely, willing you to smother it in cream, custard or yogurt.

Rhubarb & custard meringue tart

I've used a runny filling instead of a set custard. It's messier, but much nicer to eat.

Serves 8

Prep 1 hr 30 mins plus chilling

Cook 1 hr 15 mins

VEGETARIAN

  • 150g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

  • 1 tsp golden caster sugar

  • 1 tsp ground ginger

  • 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

FOR THE RHUBARB

  • 800g rhubarb, chopped into 4cm lengths

  • 300g golden caster sugar

  • 1 vanilla pod, split

  • 1/2 orange, zested and juiced

FOR THE CUSTARD

  • 2 egg yolks

  • 100ml double cream

  • 100ml whole milk

FOR THE ITALIAN MERINGUE

  • 2 egg whites

  • 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Denne historien er fra March 2022-utgaven av BBC Easy Cook.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March 2022-utgaven av BBC Easy Cook.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA BBC EASY COOKSe alt
TVrecipes
BBC Easy Cook

TVrecipes

Enjoy full-on flavour with these vibrant, spice-laden recipes from Vivek Singh, Kwoklyn Wan and Asma Khan

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2023
Proof is in the pudding
BBC Easy Cook

Proof is in the pudding

Warming, fruity puddings with cream or lashings of custard are hard to beat. Get your spoons at the ready!

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2023
SLOWLY DOES IT
BBC Easy Cook

SLOWLY DOES IT

Get out your slow cooker to make this economical yet impressive chicken and pork terrine. It’s great to have on hand for a special starter or lunch

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2023
Three cheers for chicken...
BBC Easy Cook

Three cheers for chicken...

Try our winning chicken dinners, including a one-pot roast, easy traybake and hearty salad

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2023
BANG ON BUDGET!
BBC Easy Cook

BANG ON BUDGET!

Easter can be an expensive weekend, so why not swap your usual Sunday roast for this hearty, budget-friendly sausage supper?

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2023
John's spring lunch for six
BBC Easy Cook

John's spring lunch for six

MasterChef's John Torode serves up a memorable weekend lunch packed with spring flavours

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2023
Sweet like chocolate
BBC Easy Cook

Sweet like chocolate

Make the most of chocolate this Easter, from homemade gifts to crowdpleasing puddings and teatime treats

time-read
10 mins  |
April 2023
Wok stars
BBC Easy Cook

Wok stars

Step away from the takeaway menus! These speedy suppers from Kwoklyn Wan are cheap and cheerful to make, and all use just one pan or wok

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2023
BBC TVrecipes
BBC Easy Cook

BBC TVrecipes

Inventive recipes with a touch of spice from Rosie Birkett, Georgina Hayden and Big Zuu

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2023
Give us Twirl
BBC Easy Cook

Give us Twirl

Don’t skip meals if you’re eating solo. Linguine is quick, comforting and fun to eat, and these recipes can be thrown together in no time

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2023