Suet Pudding Recipe

Suet pudding is a classic English dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a simple yet satisfying dessert or side dish that is made with flour, suet, salt, water, and potatoes. This humble pudding has a rich history and has remained a popular comfort food throughout the years.

The recipe starts with sifting one pound of flour and a quarter teaspoon of salt into a large bowl. Then, two cold potatoes are mashed or rubbed through a sieve and added to the flour mixture. The next step is to finely shred eight or ten ounces of suet and mix it thoroughly with a knife into the flour and potato mixture. This process creates a rather stiff paste.

Once the paste is formed, it is time to prepare the pudding cloth. A pudding cloth is a traditional cloth used for steaming puddings. It can be made from muslin or a similar fabric. To prevent sticking, the cloth should be dipped in boiling water before use. Afterward, the paste is placed in the center of the cloth and tied up tightly.

The pudding is then submerged into a pot of boiling water and cooked for two hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the suet to render its fat, resulting in a tender and flavorful pudding. It is important to maintain a steady boil throughout the cooking process.

After two hours, the pudding is carefully removed from the water and turned out of the cloth into a hot dish. It can be served either as a savory side with roast meat or as a sweet dessert. To add a touch of sweetness, a jam sauce can be poured around the pudding. The fruity sauce complements the richness of the suet and adds a burst of flavor.

Fun fact: Suet pudding has been a staple in British cuisine since medieval times. It was often referred to as a "figgy pudding" due to the inclusion of dried fruit like figs in the recipe. The term "figgy pudding" is still used today, particularly during the holiday season, when people sing about it in the famous Christmas carol, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

Similar recipes to suet pudding include steamed treacle pudding and spotted dick. Steamed treacle pudding is made with golden syrup or black treacle and is often enjoyed with a dollop of custard. Spotted dick, on the other hand, is a suet pudding studded with currants or raisins, giving it its unique name.

In conclusion, suet pudding is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a savory side or a sweet treat. Its simple ingredients and traditional cooking method make it a comforting and timeless recipe. Whether served with a roast dinner or as a comforting dessert, suet pudding is sure to warm the hearts and satisfy the taste buds of anyone who tries it.