Spotted , a classic British steamed suet pudding:
Ingredients:
225g (8 oz) self-raising flour
115g (4 oz) shredded suet (beef or vegetable)
115g (4 oz) raisins or currants
75g (3 oz) sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
200ml (7 fl oz) milk
1 tbsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pudding Basin:
Grease a 1.2-liter (2-pint) pudding basin or a heatproof bowl.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, suet, raisins or currants, sugar, salt, and spices if using.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat the egg and mix it with the milk. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. If using lemon zest, fold it in at this stage.
4. Fill the Basin:
Spoon the mixture into the prepared basin, smoothing the top. Cover the basin with a piece of parchment paper and then with a piece of aluminum foil, securing it with string.
5. Steam:
Place the basin in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add enough boiling water to the pot to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam for 1.5 to 2 hours, adding more boiling water as needed to maintain the level.
6. Serve:
Remove the pudding from the pot and let it cool slightly. Turn it out onto a plate and serve warm, ideally with custard or a simple sauce.
Enjoy your Spotted Dick!
