About This Recipe
A classic English steamed pudding with currants, traditionally served with custard.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 ounces shredded beef suet (or 10 tablespoons chilled butter, diced)
- 2/3 cup caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 cup dried currants
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of one large lemon
- English Custard Sauce
Kitchen Tools
Instructions
Chef's Tips
Use High-Quality Suet: If you can find it, use high-quality shredded beef suet for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough pudding. Mix until just combined.
Ensure Proper Steaming: Maintaining the water level during steaming is crucial for even cooking.
Let it Rest: Allowing the pudding to rest before inverting helps it to release from the mold more easily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Cold Butter: If substituting butter for suet, make sure it is well-chilled and diced into small pieces.
Overfilling the Mold: Do not overfill the pudding mold, as the pudding will expand during steaming.
Not Maintaining Water Level: Ensure the water level remains at the halfway point of the pudding mold throughout the steaming process.
Removing Too Early: Be sure to steam the pudding for the entire recommended time; otherwise, it will not be cooked through.
Variations
Add Different Dried Fruits: Experiment with different dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas, or mixed peel.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice to the batter for a warmer flavor.
Citrus Zest: Try using orange or lime zest instead of lemon zest for a different citrus note.
Boozy Spotted Dick: Add a tablespoon or two of brandy or rum to the batter for an extra kick.
Storage & Freezing
Leftover spotted dick can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam it again or wrap it in foil and reheat in the oven.
Conclusion
The spotted dick recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of British history and tradition. With its unique texture and comforting flavors, this steamed pudding is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe provides a straightforward guide to creating a delicious and memorable dessert. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a slice of warm spotted dick with a generous helping of custard. It’s a delightful experience that will transport you straight to a cozy British tea room.
Frequently Asked Questions
A steamed suet pudding can be called by various names depending on the ingredients and preparation. Spotted dick is one example, but others include Christmas pudding, sticky toffee pudding, and clootie dumpling.
The ingredients used to make pudding vary widely depending on the type of pudding. Generally, puddings include a base of flour or starch, a sweetener like sugar, a liquid such as milk or water, and flavorings like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit.
Fruit pudding typically includes dried or fresh fruit, flour, sugar, butter or suet, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The specific fruits and spices can vary based on the recipe.
Custard pudding typically includes milk or cream, sugar, eggs or custard powder (cornstarch-based), and vanilla extract. Some recipes may also include a thickener like cornstarch for a firmer consistency.