Exeter Pudding? A Spiced Delight Bursting with Fruity Goodness!

Let me introduce you to Exeter pudding, a traditional British dessert hailing from the charming city of Exeter in Devon. This delightful dish embodies the essence of comfort food, offering a warm hug on a cold evening or a sweet treat to end a celebratory meal. Its origins are shrouded in history, with some speculating it dates back centuries, passed down through generations of home cooks. While exact details remain elusive, one thing is certain: Exeter pudding has earned its place as a beloved local delicacy.

What makes Exeter pudding truly special? Picture this: a rich, buttery suet pastry enveloping a luscious mixture of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes even breadcrumbs soaked in brandy or sherry. The result is a pudding with a delightful contrast in texture – soft and moist on the inside, crisp and golden brown on the outside.

The beauty of Exeter pudding lies in its adaptability. Every family has their own cherished recipe, passed down through generations, often tweaked to suit individual preferences. Some versions incorporate grated apple or chopped nuts for added depth of flavour, while others prefer a simpler approach, focusing solely on the sweetness of the dried fruits and the warmth of the spices.

A Deep Dive into the Ingredients

To truly understand Exeter pudding, we must delve into its ingredients:

• Suet: The foundation of the pudding lies in suet, a type of hard fat derived from beef or mutton. Its unique texture creates a deliciously light and fluffy pastry when combined with flour.
• Dried Fruits: A symphony of sweetness is achieved through the use of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, sultanas, and sometimes even prunes. Each fruit contributes its own distinct flavour profile, creating a harmonious blend.
• Breadcrumbs: Often added for texture and to absorb excess moisture, breadcrumbs play an essential role in preventing the pudding from becoming overly dense.
• Spices: The spice blend is crucial to Exeter pudding’s signature flavour. Typically, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger are used, creating a warm and inviting aroma that fills the kitchen while the pudding bakes.
• Brandy or Sherry (Optional): For an extra layer of indulgence, many recipes call for soaking the dried fruits in brandy or sherry overnight. This infuses the fruit with an additional depth of flavour and creates a luxurious boozy note.

Steaming: The Traditional Cooking Method

Unlike many puddings that are baked in the oven, Exeter pudding is traditionally steamed. This slow and gentle cooking method results in a remarkably moist and tender texture. Imagine a large metal basin filled with water simmering on the stovetop. A pudding cloth, a piece of fabric specifically designed for steaming, is used to wrap the pudding mixture securely. The wrapped pudding is then placed in a steamer basket positioned above the boiling water, allowing the steam to penetrate through the cloth and cook the pudding evenly.

Steaming time varies depending on the size of the pudding, but typically takes around two to three hours. The result is a beautifully plump pudding, ready to be unveiled from its steamed cocoon.

Serving Suggestions: A Sweet Symphony

Exeter pudding is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the steamer. A generous dollop of custard, cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this humble dessert into an elegant treat. The contrast between the hot pudding and the cold accompaniment creates a delightful sensory experience.

For those seeking an extra touch of decadence, a drizzle of brandy sauce, made by reducing brandy with sugar and lemon juice, elevates Exeter pudding to new heights of indulgence.

Exeter Pudding: A Culinary Legacy Worth Savoring

In conclusion, Exeter pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to the culinary heritage of Exeter and a delicious embodiment of traditional British comfort food. Its simple yet flavourful ingredients, combined with the slow and gentle steaming method, create a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. So next time you find yourself craving a warm and comforting treat, consider venturing into the world of Exeter pudding. Your taste buds will thank you.