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Spotted Dick

A traditional British steamed pudding made with suet, dried currants, and fresh citrus zest. Served warm with a side of rich vanilla custard.

110 minMediumServes 6380 cal/serving

BritishDessertStovetopStandardNut-FreeAlcohol-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups self-raising flour
  • 1 cup shredded beef suet
  • 1/3 cup caster sugar
  • 1 cup dried currants
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, grated
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Grease a pudding basin or heatproof bowl with butter and set aside.

  2. 2

    Mix 2 cups self-raising flour, 1 cup shredded beef suet, 1/3 cup caster sugar, 1 cup dried currants, 1 tsp grated lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp fine salt together in a large bowl.

  3. 3

    Gradually pour in 2/3 cup whole milk and stir until a soft, pliable dough forms.

  4. 4

    Shape dough into a thick cylinder, wrap loosely in parchment paper and aluminum foil, then tie the ends securely.

  5. 5

    Place wrapped roll into a steamer over boiling water, cover, and steam for 90 minutes.

  6. 6

    Unwrap carefully, slice into rounds, and serve warm with custard.

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Questions

What is Spotted Dick?

A traditional British steamed pudding made with suet, dried currants, and fresh citrus zest. Served warm with a side of rich vanilla custard. This reference files it under British dessert: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 110 minutes start to finish.

How long does Spotted Dick take?

As written, 110 minutes: 20 of prep and 90 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 5 (1 hour 30 minutes): "Place wrapped roll into a steamer over boiling water, cover, and steam for 90 minutes."

What should Spotted Dick look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 3: cook until a soft, pliable dough forms.

What equipment do I need for Spotted Dick?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a steamer basket (step 5) and parchment paper (step 4). If you do not have one, a metal colander set over the pot, lid on, works as a steamer.

What can I use instead of self-rising flour in Spotted Dick?

The entry for Spotted Dick calls for 2 cups self-raising flour. In its place: For each cup, use a cup of all-purpose flour with one and a half teaspoons of baking powder and a quarter teaspoon of salt.

Can I make Spotted Dick dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Spotted Dick is 2/3 cup whole milk. Swap the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Spotted Dick gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Spotted Dick is 2 cups self-raising flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

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