Suet Pudding Recipe
Suet pudding is a traditional dessert that hails from the heart of classic British cooking. This old-fashioned treat is beloved for its rich, dense texture and the comforting blend of spices and sweet molasses. Steamed to perfection, suet pudding is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with a delicious cold sauce. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this dessert brings a touch of nostalgia to any table.
Ingredients for Suet Pudding:
- 1 Cupful of Molasses: This dark, thick syrup adds a deep, robust sweetness and a hint of bitterness that balances the richness of the pudding. It's a key ingredient that gives suet pudding its characteristic flavor and color.
- 1 Teaspoonful of Soda (Baking Soda): Baking soda helps the pudding rise slightly and achieve a lighter texture. It reacts with the acid in the molasses to produce carbon dioxide, which helps the pudding become airy.
- 1 Cupful of Milk: The milk provides moisture to the pudding, ensuring it remains soft and tender as it cooks. Whole milk works best for a rich and creamy texture.
- 1/2 Teaspoonful of Salt: A touch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the molasses and raisins.
- 1 Cupful of Chopped Suet: Suet is raw beef or lamb fat that adds richness and moisture to the pudding. It melts into the pudding during steaming, contributing to its dense, moist texture.
- 1 Cupful of Raisins: Raisins add natural sweetness and a chewy texture. They also provide a pleasant contrast to the rich pudding.
- 1 Teaspoonful of Clove: Ground clove adds a warm, spicy note that complements the other spices in the pudding.
- 1 Teaspoonful of Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings a comforting, aromatic quality to the pudding, enhancing its overall flavor.
- 3 Cupfuls of Flour: Flour forms the base of the pudding, providing structure and a soft texture. It helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 Teaspoonful of Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a subtle, nutty flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon and clove.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Suet Pudding:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop the suet into small pieces and measure out the raisins. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour with the chopped suet and raisins. Toss them together so that the suet and raisins are lightly coated with flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during steaming.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the molasses with the baking soda. The baking soda will react with the molasses, creating a foamy mixture. Add the milk, salt, and spices (clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg) to this mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Steam
Gradually stir the molasses mixture into the flour mixture, ensuring all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The batter will be quite thick, but this is normal. Transfer the mixture into a greased tin pail or a heatproof pudding mold. Cover the top with a lid or foil to prevent water from getting in.
Place the tin pail into a large kettle or pot filled with boiling water. The water should come halfway up the sides of the tin pail. Steam the pudding for three hours. Make sure the water remains at a gentle boil throughout the cooking time. Check occasionally, and add more boiling water to the kettle as needed to keep the water level steady.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While the pudding is steaming, you can make the cold sauce. Cream together 1 cup of sugar and 1/3 cup of butter until light and fluffy. For extra flavor, grate a little nutmeg over the top. This sauce adds a sweet, creamy contrast to the rich pudding.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pudding has steamed for three hours, carefully remove it from the kettle and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve the pudding hot with a generous spoonful of the cold sauce on top. Grate a bit more nutmeg over the pudding for added flavor.
Approximate Calorie Count
A typical serving of Suet Pudding, assuming the recipe makes about 8 servings, contains approximately 350-400 calories. The calorie count primarily comes from the suet, molasses, and sugar. This hearty dessert is rich and indulgent, making it a special treat for a comforting meal.