Summer pudding

Name: Summer pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: Serves 6-8
Cuisine: British recipes

Easy
August 2011

Easy
August 2011

Serves 6-8
Takes 20 minutes to make, 3-4 minutes to cook, plus overnight soaking

If you’re a bit over making Eton Mess and pavlovas for summer garden parties, then try one of the most classic of British puds – summer pudding. While white bread mightn’t sound the most enticing backbone to many a pudding, trust us, this jewel-like fruity pud is perfect.

You need to make it the night before too, so there’s less stress on the day.

Nutrition: per serving

Calories: 132kcals
Fat: 0.8g (0.2g saturated)
Protein: 4.2g
Carbohydrates: 29g (12.1g sugars)
Fibre: 5.5g
Salt: 0.5g

Nutrition: per serving

Calories: 132kcals
Fat: 0.8g (0.2g saturated)
Protein: 4.2g
Carbohydrates: 29g (12.1g sugars)
Fibre: 5.5g
Salt: 0.5g

For 8 servings

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Ingredients

900g mixed fresh redcurrants, blackcurrants and raspberries (see tip on getting the balance right)
3-5 tbsp caster sugar, depending on tartness of fruit
7-8 slices of firm sliced white bread, crusts removed
Double cream to serve

Ingredients

900g mixed fresh redcurrants, blackcurrants and raspberries (see tip on getting the balance right)
3-5 tbsp caster sugar, depending on tartness of fruit
7-8 slices of firm sliced white bread, crusts removed
Double cream to serve

Method

Carefully remove the redcurrants and blackcurrants from their stems and wash, removing any squashed or blemished ones. Put in a pan with the raspberries over a low heat.
Add some of the sugar (start with 2 tbsp, then add more to taste) and a splash of water. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the currants start to burst and release their juices. Remove the pan from the heat.
Set one of the slices of bread aside and slice each of the rest into 3 fingers. Cut a circle out of the whole slice of bread the same size as the bottom of a 1 litre pudding basin, and put it in the bottom of the basin.
Use the bread fingers to line the sides of the pudding basin, pushing them together so there are no gaps. Reserve a few bread fingers for the top of the pudding basin. Fill the basin with the fruit and juice (reserve a little juice in a small bowl) and top with the reserved bread.
Put a small plate (it should just rest on top of the bread base) on the top of the filled pudding basin and place a weight on top. Some juice may escape so it’s best to set the basin on a tray or dish to catch any spills. Chill in the fridge overnight.
Remove the weight and plate, then slide a sharp knife around the edge of the bowl to loosen, being careful not to cut the bread. Place a plate on top and invert the pudding, giving it a sharp shake to dislodge it. Use the reserved juice to brush any patches where the juice hasn’t soaked through, then serve with lots of double cream.

Method

Carefully remove the redcurrants and blackcurrants from their stems and wash, removing any squashed or blemished ones. Put in a pan with the raspberries over a low heat.
Add some of the sugar (start with 2 tbsp, then add more to taste) and a splash of water. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the currants start to burst and release their juices. Remove the pan from the heat.
Set one of the slices of bread aside and slice each of the rest into 3 fingers. Cut a circle out of the whole slice of bread the same size as the bottom of a 1 litre pudding basin, and put it in the bottom of the basin.
Use the bread fingers to line the sides of the pudding basin, pushing them together so there are no gaps. Reserve a few bread fingers for the top of the pudding basin. Fill the basin with the fruit and juice (reserve a little juice in a small bowl) and top with the reserved bread.
Put a small plate (it should just rest on top of the bread base) on the top of the filled pudding basin and place a weight on top. Some juice may escape so it’s best to set the basin on a tray or dish to catch any spills. Chill in the fridge overnight.
Remove the weight and plate, then slide a sharp knife around the edge of the bowl to loosen, being careful not to cut the bread. Place a plate on top and invert the pudding, giving it a sharp shake to dislodge it. Use the reserved juice to brush any patches where the juice hasn’t soaked through, then serve with lots of double cream.

delicious. tips

It’s best to use more raspberries than redcurrants and blackcurrants, but the ratio will depend on how tart you like your pudding – taste your fruit first, then decide on the balance.

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