Traditional Scottish Clootie Dumpling

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1 cup (200g) suet 1 cup (200g) suet
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas) 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1 large egg, beaten 1 large egg, beaten

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 60g (Sugars: 30g)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, suet, brown sugar, dried fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the milk and beaten egg to the dry ingredients, mixing well until a thick batter-like consistency is achieved.
3. 3.
   Prepare a large square of cheesecloth or muslin cloth and dust it generously with flour.
4. 4.
   Spoon the dumpling mixture onto the center of the cloth, then gather the corners and tie them securely with kitchen twine, leaving enough room for the dumpling to expand.
5. 5.
   Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Gently lower the wrapped dumpling into the boiling water, ensuring it is fully submerged.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow the dumpling to cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water level remains sufficient.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, carefully remove the dumpling from the pot and let it cool slightly before unwrapping.
8. 8.
   Serve the Clootie Dumpling warm, either on its own or accompanied by custard or whipped cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried Fruits — Soak the dried fruits in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the mixture. This will help them plump up and become more tender in the final dumpling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the milk with stout or dark beer.
• Serve the Clootie Dumpling warm for the best taste and texture.
• Leftover dumpling can be sliced and fried in butter for a delicious breakfast treat.

Serving advice

Serve the Clootie Dumpling warm, either on its own or with a drizzle of custard or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To present the Clootie Dumpling, slice it into thick rounds and arrange them on a serving platter. Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top for an elegant touch. Alternatively, you can serve individual portions by cutting the dumpling into wedges and placing them on dessert plates.