Spotted Dick

Story behind the dish

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a classic British dessert like Spotted Dick. Its charming name might make some blush, but underneath that playful moniker is a deliciously comforting pudding filled with dried currants that resemble "spots" throughout the cake. Originating from the hearty, fruit-laden puddings of Victorian England, Spotted Dick has stood the test of time as a beloved traditional treat. Making this pudding at home transforms simple pantry staples into a warm, fragrant dessert that invites family and friends to gather round and indulge in its rich, fruity goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups (220 g) self-raising flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup (125 g) suet
• 3/4 cup (125 g) currants
• 1/3 cup (80 g) caster sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2/3 cup (150 ml) milk
• Custard, to serve

Step-by-step

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Add the suet, currants, sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix everything together thoroughly.
2. Pour in 2/3 cup (150 ml) of milk and stir to form a firm but moist dough. Add a little more milk if the mixture appears too dry.
3. Shape the dough into a fat, elongated roll about 8 inches (20 cm) long.
4. Place the dough onto a large sheet of baking parchment. Loosely wrap it, allowing room for the pudding to expand during steaming. Tie the ends with string, much like a Christmas cracker.
5. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Position a steamer over the pot and gently place the wrapped pudding inside.
6. Cover the steamer and let the pudding steam for approximately 1 1/2 hours. Make sure to top up the water in the pot as needed to keep the steam going.
7. Carefully remove the pudding from the steamer and allow it to cool slightly before unwrapping. Slice and serve warm with generous pouring of custard.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon into the dough.
• This pudding is best enjoyed freshly steamed, but it can be reheated gently the next day. Serve slices warm with a drizzle of thick custard for the full cosy experience.

Closing thoughts

There’s something utterly heartwarming about making a traditional dessert from scratch, especially one as humble and nostalgic as Spotted Dick. Its tempting combination of fruity spots and buttery suet dough brings a smile to any table, making it the perfect comfort food after a hearty meal or as a special treat on a chilly afternoon. Gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy each slice of this classic British delight—tradition and comfort guaranteed.