Spotted Dick
Discover the classic British delight, Spotted Dick, a steamed currant pudding, traditionally served warm with custard.
Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 140 g shredded suet you can also use 10 tablespoons chilled butter, diced
- 80 g caster sugar
- 180 g dried currents
- 150 ml whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 zest lemon finely grated
- 1 zest small orange finely grated
- Custard for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the steaming equipment:In a large pot, place a heatproof plate or a steaming rack at the bottom, and add enough water to come just below the plate/rack. Make sure the water doesn't touch the plate/rack.
- Mix dry ingredients:Place the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and suet (or butter) in a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Add currants and citrus zest:Stir in the dried currants, finely grated lemon zest, and finely grated small orange zest. Make sure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients:In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk and vanilla extract. Mix well to ensure the vanilla extract is evenly distributed in the milk.
- Create dough:Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture while stirring. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to bring the dough together. It should come together into a slightly sticky, yet manageable dough.
- Prepare the pudding mold:Grease the interior of a 1.6-liter pudding mold with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Fill the mold:Press the dough into the prepared pudding mold, making sure to pack it in tightly to eliminate air pockets.
- Cover and steam:Cover the pudding mold with tightly fitted aluminum foil. Lower the mold into the large pot and bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Once the water is simmering, lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer for 90 minutes. Top up the pot with water as needed.
- Check for doneness:To check if the pudding is done, insert a toothpick or a skewer into the center. It should come out clean when the pudding is fully cooked.
- Serve:Once the spotted dick is cooked, carefully remove it from the steamer or pot. Allow it to cool for 15 minutes, then invert it onto a large plate.
- Serve with custard:Traditionally, spotted dick is served with custard. Pour warm custard over the sliced pudding before serving.
