How to Make a Classic Plum Pudding for Holidays
As the holidays approach, kitchens around the world buzz with the aroma of festive dishes. Among the plethora of holiday treats, one timeless dessert stands out – the classic plum pudding. Despite its name, plum pudding doesn’t actually contain any plums. Traditionally, in old English, “plums” referred to raisins or other dried fruits, which are the main ingredients in this celebrated dish. Making a plum pudding is a delightful way to dive into holiday traditions and create something deliciously heartwarming for your loved ones. Here’s a simple guide on how to make this festive favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 cup of sultanas (or golden raisins)
- 1 cup of currants
- 1/2 cup of mixed peel (optional)
- 1 small apple, grated
- 1/2 cup of chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of suet or vegetable shortening, shredded
- 1 teaspoon of mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup of brandy or other dark alcohol (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fruit: Begin by soaking the raisins, sultanas, and currants in brandy (or your choice of dark alcohol) overnight. This not only hydrates them but infuses the pudding with a rich flavor.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, flour, brown sugar, and mixed spice. This mixture provides the perfect backdrop for the juicy fruits and nuts.
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Incorporate Fats: Add the shredded suet or vegetable shortening to the dry mix. Mixing it well ensures that your pudding will have a lovely texture and moistness.
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Add Fruits and Nuts: Stir in the soaked fruits, including any leftover liquid, and the mixed peel, grated apple, and chopped almonds. The variety of fruits and nuts promises bursts of flavor in every bite.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs with the orange and lemon zest and juice. This citrusy mixture will give your pudding a wonderfully fresh lift.
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Mix Everything Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and fruits. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The batter should be dense and moist.
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Prepare for Steaming: Grease a 2-liter pudding basin with butter. Fill the basin with the pudding mixture, pressing down as you go to avoid air pockets. Cover the top with a circle of parchment paper, then cover the basin itself with a pleated piece of aluminum foil secured with string. This allows for expansion.
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Steam Your Pudding: Place the basin in a large pot with a trivet or an upside-down heatproof plate at the bottom. Fill the pot with boiling water halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer gently for about 5 hours. Ensure the water level remains constant by topping it up with more boiling water as necessary.
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Cool and Store: Once done, remove the pudding from the pot and let it cool completely. Replace the parchment and foil with fresh ones, then store the pudding in a cool, dry place. Plum pudding develops its flavors over time, so making it weeks in advance enhances its taste.
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Serving the Pudding: On the holiday, reheat the pudding by steaming it again for about 2 hours, following the same method as before. To serve, invert the basin onto a plate, lifting it off to reveal the pudding. A classic tradition is to pour a little more brandy over the top and light it with a match, bringing a festive flame to the table. Extinguish the flame, then slice and enjoy with a dollop of brandy butter or cream.
Making a classic plum pudding may seem like a lengthy process, but it’s filled with anticipation and festive spirit, making it a holiday favorite. This rich, fruit-filled dessert not only promises to be a tasty end to your holiday meal but also offers a slice of tradition and warmth. So, gather your ingredients and start a new holiday tradition by making a classic plum pudding this season!
