Dish

Spotted Dick

Spotted Dick is a steamed pudding that is made with suet, flour, sugar, and dried fruit. The dried fruit is typically raisins or currants, but can also include other types of dried fruit such as cherries or apricots. The pudding is steamed for several hours until it is cooked through and has a moist, dense texture. It is typically served with custard, which is a sweet, creamy sauce that is made with milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Spotted Dick is a classic British dessert that has been enjoyed for generations.

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Cuisines of the [[Islands of the North Atlantic]] (IONA)› British cuisine

Dessert› Pudding

Origins and history

Spotted Dick has been a popular dessert in Britain since the 19th century, and is thought to have originated as a variation of the plum pudding that was traditionally served at Christmas. The name 'Spotted Dick' is said to have come from the spots of dried fruit that are visible in the pudding. Today, it is a classic British dessert that is enjoyed all year round.

Dietary considerations

Spotted Dick is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans as it contains suet, which is a type of animal fat. It is also high in calories and sugar, so should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It may contain allergens such as wheat and eggs.

Variations

There are many variations of Spotted Dick, including recipes that use different types of dried fruit or add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Some recipes also include a layer of jam or marmalade in the middle of the pudding.

Presentation and garnishing

To prevent the pudding from sticking to the steaming bowl, grease the bowl with butter or cooking spray before adding the pudding mixture. To ensure that the pudding is cooked through, test it with a skewer or toothpick before removing it from the steamer. To garnish, sprinkle with powdered sugar or grated nutmeg.

Tips & Tricks

Spotted Dick can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave or oven. Leftover Spotted Dick can also be used to make a delicious bread pudding.

Side-dishes

Spotted Dick is typically served with custard, which is a sweet, creamy sauce that is made with milk, sugar, and egg yolks. It can also be served with whipped cream or ice cream.

Drink pairings

Spotted Dick is traditionally served with tea or coffee. It can also be paired with a sweet dessert wine such as Sauternes or a fortified wine such as port.