Sweet stuff, RecipesAdam SmithMay 16, 2018Pudding, Jam, Custard

Mum's steamed pudding

Sweet stuff, RecipesAdam SmithMay 16, 2018Pudding, Jam, Custard

When it comes to traditional puddings, steamed pudding is right up there and a favourite to most. It's simple to make, versatile with its toppings, loves custard and puts a big smile on everyone's face.

This is one of the first things I learned to cook growing up and it's about as simple a recipe as you could get. I used to cook mine in the microwave but these days I stick it on the hob and steam it whilst the roast is on so it's ready after everyone's finished their main.

If you do choose to pursue quick gratification and use a microwave, be warned, too long or too high and you end up with a brick you could build a house with. Been there and got the t-shirt! Every microwave is different so you will need to experiment a little with time and power level.

Step 1 - Mix

If the butter is straight from the fridge, cube it
Put all the ingredients in a mixing bowl
With a hand whisk, mix it till it's a thick

Step 2 - Fill

Grease a 1 pint pyrex bowl with butter
Add topping in the bottom of the bowl
Fill with the mixture, there should be a gap of about an inch
Cover with greaseproof paper and foil
Tie some string around the top to keep it sealed

Step 3 - Steam

In a pot with a lid, put a plate or chef's ring in the bottom
Fill with boiling water a couple of inches over the chef's ring
Put the pudding bowl on the ring or plate
Cover and leave to steam on the hob for 2 hours
Check the water level occasionally and top up if needed

Step 4 - Serve

Remove foil and paper - the pudding should now fill the bowl
Put a plate over the top
Holding the both tightly, give a shake and flip
Give it a minute and gravity should help it come away from the bowl
If not, run a palette knife around the side to ease the pudding out
Serve with some thick custard

Here I went very heavy with the jam so it's lost a few of it's looks on top but sliced with custard on who cares.
The great thing about this pudding is it how versitile it is.
Here are some other ideas to try:

Any other Jam (One of my favourites is Rhubarb Jam)
Add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder to the sponge and some melted chocolate in place of the jam for a full-on chocolate treat
Lashings of golden syrup, then some more for good measure
Thinly slice some cooking apples and arrange around the bowl, add a tbsn of applesauce in the bottom before filling

As you can see, anything yummy is a winner here. Experiment away and you will be rewarded.