Malaysian Chinese Style Spiced Plum Pudding

Ingredients

In this Malaysian Chinese adaptation of Plum Pudding, we incorporate traditional Malaysian Chinese spices such as Chinese five-spice powder and star anise to infuse the pudding with a unique flavor profile. Additionally, we serve the pudding with a sweet plum sauce, which adds a tangy and fruity element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Plum Pudding, so you can check it out.

• 250g (1 ¾ cups) dried plums 250g (1 ¾ cups) dried plums
• 100g (¾ cup) raisins 100g (¾ cup) raisins
• 50g (¼ cup) candied ginger, finely chopped 50g (¼ cup) candied ginger, finely chopped
• 200ml (¾ cup) water 200ml (¾ cup) water
• 100g (½ cup) brown sugar 100g (½ cup) brown sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Plum sauce, for serving Plum sauce, for serving
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the dried plums, raisins, candied ginger, water, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, and Chinese five-spice powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the cooled plum mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. 5.
   Grease a pudding basin or a heatproof bowl with butter. Pour the pudding batter into the greased bowl and cover with a double layer of parchment paper or aluminum foil, securing it tightly with kitchen twine.
6. 6.
   Place the pudding bowl in a steamer basket or a large pot with a steamer insert. Fill the pot with enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the pudding bowl. Cover the pot and steam the pudding over medium-low heat for 2 hours.
7. 7.
   Remove the pudding from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove the parchment paper or aluminum foil.
8. 8.
   To serve, slice the spiced plum pudding and drizzle with plum sauce. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried plums — Make sure to use dried plums without added sugar or preservatives for the best flavor and texture.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you can't find pre-made Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.
• Plum sauce — Look for plum sauce in Asian grocery stores or make your own by simmering plums, sugar, vinegar, and spices until thickened.

Tips & Tricks

• For a boozy twist, you can soak the dried plums and raisins in rum or brandy overnight before using them in the recipe.
• Serve the spiced plum pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.
• If you don't have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a heatproof bowl placed on a trivet inside. Just make sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.

Serving advice

Serve the Malaysian Chinese Style Spiced Plum Pudding as a dessert after a delicious Malaysian Chinese feast. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the sliced spiced plum pudding with powdered sugar before drizzling with plum sauce. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.