Step 1

Dough: In a large bowl, combine the margarine, flour and baking powder together by rubbing in.

Step 2

Beat the eggs and sugar in a separate bowl until smooth, and then add the lemon rind and vanilla essence.

Step 3

Add the egg and sugar mixture to the flour mixture and mix well until a dough is formed.

Step 4

Set aside for 1 hour.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 250C.

Step 6

Roll out the dough on a floured surface, and use it to line a greased pie tin.

Step 7

Trim the edges, and bake using the bake-blind method.

Step 8

Store the rest of the dough in the freezer or use it for another recipe.

Step 9

Filling: Put the water, cornflour, egg yolks, sugar and lemon juice in a blender/food processor and process until smooth.

Step 10

Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the processed mixture.

Step 11

Stir until the mixture turns yellow and thickens.

Step 12

Once it becomes thick, remove immediately from the heat.

Step 13

Pour the mixture on the baked pie crust and let it cool down.

Step 14

Meringue: Stiffly whisk the egg whites and then stir in the sugar and lemon juice.

Step 15

Spoon meringue over the top of the lemon filling.

Step 16

Place under the griller until the meringue has lightly browned.

Step 17

Serve chilled.