Description: Irish plum pudding, similar to its British counterpart, is a beloved dessert enjoyed during the holiday season. It’s a rich, moist pudding filled with dried fruits, spices, and sometimes soaked in Irish whiskey.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 hours (steaming)
Serving size: 8-10 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded suet (or vegetarian suet)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates)
- ½ cup chopped almonds or walnuts
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 2 teaspoons mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup Guinness stout or Irish whiskey
- Brandy or Irish whiskey for flaming (optional)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded suet, dark brown sugar, flour, breadcrumbs, dried fruits, nuts, citrus zest, mixed spice, ground ginger, and salt. Mix well.
Add the beaten eggs gradually, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Pour in the Guinness stout or Irish whiskey and stir until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
Grease a 2-quart pudding basin or heatproof bowl. Pour the pudding mixture into the basin, filling it almost to the top. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
Cover the pudding basin with a double layer of greaseproof paper (parchment paper) and foil, securing it tightly with kitchen twine.
Place the pudding basin in a large pot with a trivet or an upturned saucer at the bottom. Fill the pot with boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the basin.
Cover the pot with a lid and steam the pudding on low heat for about 8 hours, checking the water level occasionally and adding boiling water as needed.
Once steamed, remove the pudding basin from the pot and let it cool. Store the pudding in a cool, dark place until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, reheat the pudding by steaming it for an additional 2 hours. Carefully unmold the pudding onto a serving dish.
For a festive touch, warm some brandy or Irish whiskey, pour it over the pudding, and ignite for a dramatic flaming presentation (optional).
This Irish Plum Pudding is a decadent treat often served during the holiday season, especially at Christmas, and pairs wonderfully with a traditional custard or brandy sauce.
