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Steamed Indian Pudding. R. H. Johnson. Recipe

Steamed Indian Pudding is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations, particularly in New England. Its origins date back to the colonial era when settlers, inspired by Native American cooking techniques, began incorporating ingredients like cornmeal and molasses into their recipes. This sweet and comforting pudding is traditionally made by steaming a thick batter composed of sour milk, eggs, soda, raisins, molasses, and cornmeal. When served with a delicious homemade sauce, it becomes a truly delectable treat.

To prepare Steamed Indian Pudding, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1/2 cup sour milk
- 2 eggs (beaten stiff)
- 1 teaspoon soda
- 1 cup seeded raisins
- 2 tablespoonfuls molasses
- Cornmeal (enough to create a stiff batter)

For the sauce:

- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (beaten to a cream)
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg white
- Pinch of salt
- Lemon flavoring

Now, let's dive into the recipe!

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour milk and beaten eggs until well incorporated.

Step 2: Dissolve the soda in a small amount of warm water and add it to the milk and egg mixture.

Step 3: Stir in the seeded raisins and molasses, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Gradually add the cornmeal to the mixture, stirring continuously, until a stiff batter forms. The amount of cornmeal required may vary slightly, so add it slowly to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5: Once the batter is ready, grease a heatproof pudding mold or a deep dish and pour the batter into it.

Step 6: Cover the mold tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to prevent any moisture from entering while steaming.

Step 7: Place the mold in a large steamer or a pot fitted with a steaming rack. Add enough water to the pot to create steam but ensure it does not touch the bottom of the mold.

Step 8: Steam the Indian Pudding for approximately two hours. Check on the water level periodically, adding more hot water as needed.

Step 9: While the pudding steams, prepare the accompanying sauce. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and water, and heat the mixture to a scald. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved completely.

Step 10: In a separate bowl, beat the egg white with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.

Step 11: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly add the beaten egg white, followed by the yolk. Stir well until the sauce has a smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 12: Finish the sauce by adding a touch of lemon flavoring, adjusting the amount to your preference.

Step 13: Once the pudding has finished steaming, carefully remove it from the mold onto a serving dish.

Step 14: Slice the pudding and serve it warm, generously drizzled with the flavorful sauce.

Now, sit back and indulge in a truly nostalgic dessert that celebrates the flavors of the past. Steamed Indian Pudding brings together the rich sweetness of molasses, the comforting texture of raisins, and the heartiness of cornmeal in a delightful blend. The sauce, with its luscious buttery taste complemented by tart lemon notes, elevates the pudding to another level of decadence.

Fun Fact: Despite its name, Steamed Indian Pudding does not contain any indigenous Indian ingredients. The term "Indian" refers to the early settlers' belief that they were imitating Native American cooking methods, which heavily relied on cornmeal and similar ingredients.

If you're looking to explore more desserts that showcase the magic of steam cooking, consider trying other popular recipes such as Steamed Gingerbread or Steamed Marmalade Pudding. They too offer a delightful and moist texture infused with fragrant flavors.

So, gather your loved ones, transport yourself back in time, and enjoy the comforting taste of Steamed Indian Pudding - a dessert cherished for its simplicity and history.

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