Spotted Dick

Spotted Dick

Spotted Dick (SPOT-ed dik)

Spotted Dick

Prep Time 2 hours
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 372 kcal

A traditional steamed suet pudding studded with dried currants and lemon zest, served warm with a generous pour of hot custard.

Nutrition & Info

360 kcal per serving
Protein 5.0g
Carbs 52.0g
Fat 16.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

pudding basin steamer or large pot baking paper foil string

Presentation Guide

Vessel: warm plate

Garnishes: custard pour, lemon zest

Accompaniments: hot vanilla custard

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix flour, suet, sugar, currants, lemon zest, orange zest, and salt in a large bowl.

  2. 2

    Beat egg with milk. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix to a soft, sticky dough.

  3. 3

    Grease a 1-litre pudding basin. Spoon in the mixture, level the top.

  4. 4

    Cover with a pleated sheet of baking paper and foil. Tie securely with string, making a handle.

  5. 5

    Place in a steamer or on a trivet in a large pot of simmering water. Steam for 1 hour 30 min, topping up water as needed.

  6. 6

    Turn out onto a warm plate. Serve immediately with hot custard.

💡

Did You Know?

The "spotted" refers to the dried fruit dots, and "dick" likely derives from "dough" or the German "dick" meaning thick — despite the endless schoolboy jokes.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • pudding basin
  • steamer or large pot
  • baking paper
  • foil
  • string

Garnishing

custard pour, lemon zest

Accompaniments

hot vanilla custard

The Story Behind Spotted Dick

Spotted dick first appeared in print in Alexis Soyer's 1849 cookbook. It is one of a family of English steamed suet puddings that sustained workers through cold winters. Though school dinners gave it a humble reputation, it remains a beloved classic.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed dessert, winter 📜 Origins: 19th century

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!