Steamed Suet Pudding. Mrs. R. H. Johnson And Mrs. J. C. Walter. Recipe

Steamed suet pudding is a classic British dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This rich and comforting pudding is made with suet, which is the hard fat found around the kidneys of animals such as cows or sheep. Suet has been used in traditional British cooking for centuries and is known for providing a moist and tender texture to baked goods.

The recipe for steamed suet pudding is quite simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients that are commonly found in most pantries. The combination of suet, sugar, milk, raisins, flour, baking powder, salt, and spices creates a delicious and satisfying pudding that is perfect for cold winter nights or special occasions.

To begin, you will need one cup of suet, which should be chopped finely. Suet can often be found in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store or butcher shop. In addition to suet, you will need one cup of sugar, one cup of milk, one cup of chopped raisins, three cups of flour (preferably all-purpose), two teaspoons of baking powder, a little salt, and spices of your choice.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the suet, sugar, milk, raisins, flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Mix everything together until well blended, forming a thick and sticky dough. The choice of spices is entirely up to your preference, but popular options include cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Once the dough is mixed, it is time to steam the pudding. A steamer insert or a large pot with a tight-fitting lid can be used for this purpose. If using a pot, you can create a makeshift steamer by placing a heatproof bowl or small plate at the bottom and adding enough water to steam.

To prepare the steamer, bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Carefully place the pudding mixture into the steamer insert or onto the plate in the pot. Cover the steamer with a lid, making sure it fits tightly to prevent any steam from escaping.

Reduce the heat to low and allow the pudding to steam for approximately three hours. During this time, check occasionally to ensure that the water in the pot has not completely evaporated. If necessary, add more water to maintain the steam.

While the steamed suet pudding is cooking, you can prepare a delicious sauce to complement the dessert. In a small saucepan, combine one cup of sugar, half a cup of butter (beaten to a cream), one tablespoon of water, and the yolk of one egg. Heat the mixture to a scald, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Once the mixture is heated, remove it from the heat and add the well-beaten egg white, along with a pinch of salt. Finally, flavor the sauce with a splash of lemon juice, which adds a refreshing citrus note to balance out the sweetness.

After three hours, carefully remove the steamed suet pudding from the steamer or pot, using oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands. The pudding should be set and firm to the touch, indicating that it is fully cooked.

To serve the pudding, slice it into thick portions and transfer to individual plates or bowls. Drizzle the warm sauce over the top, allowing it to seep into the pudding and enhance the flavors. The combination of the moist and rich pudding with the sweet and tangy sauce creates a delightful dessert that will please both children and adults alike.

Fun fact: Steamed suet pudding has a long history in British cuisine and was often enjoyed as a hearty and filling dessert, particularly during the winter months. The use of suet allowed cooks to create a rich and flavorful pudding that could be enjoyed even in times of rationing or scarcity.

Similar recipes to steamed suet pudding include traditional Christmas puddings, which often contain a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. These festive puddings are typically made well in advance and left to mature over several weeks or months before being enjoyed on Christmas Day.

Another similar dish is spotted dick, which is a steamed suet pudding studded with currants or raisins. It is often served with custard or a warm vanilla sauce, creating a comforting and nostalgic dessert.

In conclusion, steamed suet pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that has been enjoyed in British households for generations. Its rich and tender texture, paired with a sweet and tangy sauce, makes it the perfect treat for cold winter nights or special occasions. Whether you are looking to try a classic British recipe or simply want to indulge in a comforting homemade dessert, steamed suet pudding will surely satisfy your cravings.