For the dough
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
a pinch of salt
For the filling
12 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
For the dough
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
a pinch of salt
For the filling
12 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Combine all dough ingredients with 3 tablespoons cold water and knead rapidly until a ball forms
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour
Preheat oven to moderate (350°F) and prepare an unbaked cake pan of 25 cm diameter
Leave 2 cm border around the edges and cover with paper
Add some small black beans or pebbles to prevent bubbles from forming during baking
Bake at moderate heat for 20 minutes, then remove the paper and continue baking for another 10 minutes until lightly golden
Remove from oven and let cool slightly
Prepare the filling: Beat egg yolks with half of the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and flour until light and fluffy
Place in a bowl and set aside
Heat the mixture over low heat in a bain-marie, stirring constantly
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and continue beating until thickened
Remove from heat and stir in unsalted butter
Mix only until combined
Wrap with plastic wrap and reserve
Beat egg whites to stiff peaks with a pinch of salt
SLOWLY add the remaining granulated sugar and beat until stiff and glossy
Folding gently, combine the beaten egg yolks with the reserved filling mixture
Place on top of the cake dough and let set slightly
Bake at moderate heat for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden on top
Remove from oven and let cool completely before removing from pan
Serve warm, if desired.
