Red Berry Pudding

Maltese Red Berry Pudding Recipe with Vegetarian Suet and Lemon

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Red Berry Pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of summer berries with a light and fluffy pastry, creating a mouth-watering treat that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Red Berry Pudding has been a popular dessert in British cuisine for many years. It is a traditional pudding that is often served during the summer months when berries are in season. The combination of sweet berries and suet pastry creates a unique and flavorful dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 x 500 g packet frozen summer berries
1 tbsp corn flour
1 oz / 25 g caster sugar
2 tbsp water

Pastry

pinch of salt
4 oz / 100 g low-fat vegetarian suet
grated rind of 1 lemon
0.5 pt / 150 ml milk and water mixed

How to prepare

Place the frozen summer berries, corn flour, caster sugar, and water together in a large pan and bring the mixture slowly to a boil.
Simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Preheat the oven to gas 5 / 375°F / 190°C and place a roasting tin half full of water in the oven.
Grease four 8 fl oz / 250 ml pudding molds.
Sift flour and salt, stir in suet and lemon rind, add milk and water mixture, and stir to a soft but not sticky dough.
Divide into four, roll each portion on a lightly floured surface to a circle large enough to line each mold.
Cut a quarter from each and use three-quarter portions to line molds.
Divide the fruit between the molds, dampen the pastry rims with water.
Roll remaining pieces of dough to make lids and pinch the edges to seal.
Place molds in the roasting tin and bake for 40 minutes.
Turn onto individual serving plates, dust with icing sugar, and serve with custard.

Variations

Try using different types of berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a unique flavor.
Add a splash of brandy or rum to the berry mixture for an extra kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to simmer the berry mixture slowly to allow the flavors to develop fully.

- Grease the pudding molds well to ensure that the pudding does not stick.

- Be careful not to overwork the pastry dough, as this can make it tough.

- Serve the pudding warm with a dollop of custard for the perfect finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Red Berry Pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the berry mixture slowly to allow the flavors to develop fully.

- Bake the pudding in a water bath to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have suet, you can use butter or margarine as a substitute.

- Fresh berries can be used instead of frozen berries, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make Ahead Tips

The pastry dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Red Berry Pudding in individual molds for a beautiful presentation, dusted with icing sugar for a touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Red Berry Pudding pairs well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of tea for a delightful end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Red Berry Pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Red Berry Pudding contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Red Berry Pudding contains approximately 40g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Red Berry Pudding contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Red Berry Pudding contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Red Berry Pudding is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants from the summer berries.

Alergens

This recipe contains suet, which may not be suitable for those with a beef allergy.

Summary

Red Berry Pudding is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Red Berry Pudding is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its sweet summer berries and light pastry, this pudding is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of cream for a truly indulgent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Red Berry Pudding. It was a hot summer day, and I had been flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I turned the pages, a handwritten note fell out onto the kitchen table. It was a recipe for Red Berry Pudding, written in faded ink and stained with splatters of fruit juice.

I had never heard of Red Berry Pudding before, but the ingredients sounded delicious - fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, combined with sugar and cornstarch to create a sweet and tangy dessert. I knew I had to try it.

I asked my great-grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled as she recounted the story of how she had learned to make it. She told me that when she was a young girl, her own grandmother had taught her the recipe, passing it down through the generations. It was a family favorite, enjoyed at special occasions and gatherings.

With my great-grandmother's guidance, I set to work gathering the ingredients and following the instructions. The kitchen was filled with the sweet scent of ripe berries as I washed and sliced them, mixing them together with sugar and cornstarch in a large saucepan. As the mixture simmered on the stove, I stirred it gently, watching as the berries released their juices and thickened into a luscious pudding.

When the Red Berry Pudding was ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it to my family after dinner. The vibrant red color and fruity aroma were irresistible, and we all eagerly took our first spoonfuls. The taste was even better than I had imagined - sweet and tart, with a hint of vanilla and a touch of warmth from the spices. It was a truly unforgettable dessert.

From that moment on, Red Berry Pudding became a staple in our family's recipe collection. I made it for birthdays, holidays, and any time we wanted a special treat. Over the years, I experimented with different variations, adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the flavors. Each time I made it, I thought of my great-grandmother and the generations of women who had passed down this cherished recipe.

As I grew older, I continued to seek out new recipes and techniques, expanding my culinary skills and knowledge. I learned to bake bread from my aunt, make homemade pasta from a neighbor, and pickle vegetables from a friend. Each recipe I acquired added to my repertoire, enriching my cooking and bringing joy to my loved ones.

But Red Berry Pudding remained a favorite, a comforting reminder of my family's history and traditions. It was a dish that brought us together, sparking conversations and memories as we savored each spoonful. The recipe itself was simple, but the memories and connections it evoked were priceless.

Now, as I write this story, I think back on all the times I have made Red Berry Pudding for my family and friends. The laughter, the shared meals, the moments of joy that have been woven into the fabric of this recipe. It is more than just a dessert - it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the enduring power of food to bring people together.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will discover the recipe for Red Berry Pudding in an old cookbook or handwritten note, just as I did. I hope they will feel the same excitement and curiosity that I felt, and that they will carry on the tradition of making this delicious dessert for generations to come.

As for me, I will continue to cook and bake, seeking out new recipes and flavors to add to my culinary repertoire. But no matter how many dishes I create, Red Berry Pudding will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a recipe that has shaped my love of cooking, my connection to my family, and my appreciation for the simple pleasures of good food shared with loved ones.