Olivia Carter
Christmas is a time for festive treats and indulgence, and what better way to round off your holiday feast than with a traditional Christmas pudding?
Making a Christmas pudding from scratch can be a time-consuming and laborious process, but using a pressure cooker can help expedite the steaming process without compromising on flavour or texture. With the right technique, you can achieve a moist and rich Christmas pudding with minimal effort.
First, gather your ingredients and prepare your pudding mixture according to your chosen recipe. This typically includes a combination of breadcrumbs, flour, mixed dried fruit, suet, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Some recipes may call for additional ingredients like treacle or brandy for extra richness.
Once your pudding mixture is ready, it’s time to prep your pressure cooker. Start by pouring about a cup of water into the base of your pressure cooker. This will create the necessary steam to cook the pudding. Next, place a trivet or heatproof bowl on top of the water. This will elevate the pudding off the bottom of the cooker to prevent it from scorching.
Pour your pudding mixture into a well-greased pudding basin or heatproof bowl of your choice. Use a piece of foil or greaseproof paper to cover the top of the pudding, ensuring it is well-sealed. Place the covered pudding on top of the trivet or bowl in the pressure cooker.
Close the pressure cooker lid securely and set the steam vent to “sealing”. Cook the pudding on high pressure for the specified amount of time, which is usually around 90 minutes to 2 hours. Consult your pressure cooker’s manual for specific instructions on cooking times.
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release the steam for about 10-15 minutes before carefully opening the lid. Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the steam. Gently remove the pudding from the pressure cooker and let it cool for a few minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate.
For that extra touch of festive cheer, you can flambe the pudding with brandy. Simply warm a few tablespoons of brandy in a small saucepan, pour it over the pudding, and carefully ignite it with a long match or lighter. Let the flames die out before serving.
Serve your beautifully steamed Christmas pudding warm, accompanied by a dollop of creamy brandy butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a classic festive dessert that is sure to delight your guests and evoke the true spirit of Christmas.
Preparing the Pudding Mixture
Before you can steam your Christmas pudding, you’ll need to prepare the pudding mixture. Follow these steps to create a delicious and traditional festive dessert.
Ingredients
- 225g suet
- 225g breadcrumbs
- 225g soft brown sugar
- 225g mixed dried fruit
- 50g almonds, chopped
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 3 eggs
- 150ml stout or beer
- 150ml brandy or rum
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the suet, breadcrumbs, sugar, dried fruit, chopped almonds, mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Add the lemon zest and juice to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add them to the mixture.
- Pour in the stout or beer and brandy or rum. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture has a sticky consistency.
- Cover the bowl with cling film and let the mixture sit for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Note: If you prefer, you can substitute the alcohol with orange juice or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version of the pudding.
With the pudding mixture prepared, you’re ready to move on to the next steps of steaming and serving your Christmas pudding.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start steaming your Christmas pudding using a pressure cooker, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
1. Christmas Pudding Mixture
Make sure you have all the ingredients required to make your Christmas pudding. This typically includes suet, breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, eggs, mixed dried fruit, candied peel, spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice), and a dash of alcohol (commonly brandy or rum). It’s essential to follow your chosen Christmas pudding recipe to ensure you have the correct quantities.
2. Pudding Basin
You will need a heatproof pudding basin to cook your Christmas pudding in. It should be the right size to fit into your pressure cooker. Make sure it has a tight-fitting lid or cover it with a double layer of greased parchment paper and foil.
3. Pressure Cooker
Ensure you have a pressure cooker that is suitable for steaming. It should have a steamer basket or trivet to elevate the pudding from the water.
4. Water
You will need water to create steam in the pressure cooker. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended amount of water to add. It’s usually around 2 cups but may vary depending on the size of your pressure cooker.
5. Foil and String
You will need foil and string to securely cover the pudding basin and prevent any water from getting in during steaming. Ensure you have enough foil to create a tight seal around the edges of the basin.
6. Oven Gloves or Tongs
Having oven gloves or tongs on hand will be useful when handling the hot pudding basin during and after steaming.
Once you have gathered all these ingredients and equipment, you can move on to the next steps of preparing and steaming your Christmas pudding using a pressure cooker.
Mixing the Ingredients
Before steaming your Christmas pudding using a pressure cooker, you will need to mix all of the ingredients together. This will ensure that the flavors are well incorporated and the pudding turns out moist and delicious.
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup currants
- 1 cup sultanas
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped candied peel
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup brandy
First, combine the raisins, currants, sultanas, chopped dried apricots, chopped candied peel, and chopped almonds in a large mixing bowl. Mix well using a wooden spoon.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and baking powder. Add this dry mixture to the bowl with the fruits and nuts, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
In another bowl, cream together the dark brown sugar and melted butter until smooth. Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the milk, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, and brandy.
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and fruits. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and no dry flour remains. The mixture should be moist but still hold its shape.
Once the ingredients are well mixed, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the fruits to plump up slightly.
After the mixture has rested, it is ready to be steamed in the pressure cooker. Follow the instructions for steaming your Christmas pudding using a pressure cooker to continue the process and enjoy a traditional and delicious dessert.
Using a Pressure Cooker to Steam the Pudding
If you don’t have access to a traditional steamer, a pressure cooker can be a great alternative for steaming your Christmas pudding. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a pressure cooker for steaming:
Step 1: Start by greasing a pudding basin or a heatproof dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the pudding from sticking to the sides during the steaming process.
Step 2: Prepare your Christmas pudding mixture according to your chosen recipe. Be sure to mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure a well-combined and flavorful pudding.
Step 3: Transfer the pudding mixture into the greased pudding basin or dish. Make sure to leave some space at the top for the pudding to expand during cooking.
Step 4: Place a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil over the top of the pudding basin. This will help create a seal and prevent any water from entering the pudding during steaming.
Step 5: Cover the entire pudding basin tightly with another sheet of aluminum foil. This will further enhance the seal and prevent any steam from escaping during the cooking process.
Step 6: Pour water into the pressure cooker, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate amount of water needed. Place the trivet or steamer basket inside the pressure cooker.
Step 7: Carefully lower the covered pudding basin onto the trivet or steamer basket inside the pressure cooker. Make sure that the basin is stable and secured in place.
Step 8: Close the pressure cooker lid and lock it into place. Set the pressure cooker to the appropriate steaming setting according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 9: Allow the pressure cooker to build up steam according to the manufacturer’s recommended time. Once the desired pressure is reached, reduce the heat to low and start the timer for the cooking time specified in your recipe.
Step 10: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure from the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Take caution as the steam can be very hot.
Step 11: Carefully remove the pudding basin from the pressure cooker using oven mitts or tongs. Remove the foil and parchment paper from the top of the pudding.
Step 12: Allow the pudding to cool in the basin for a few minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate. Serve it warm with your choice of sauce or accompaniments.
Note: Using a pressure cooker to steam your Christmas pudding can significantly reduce the cooking time compared to traditional steaming methods. However, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for safe usage of your specific pressure cooker model.
Preparing the Pressure Cooker
Before you start steaming your Christmas pudding in a pressure cooker, it is important to properly prepare the cooker. Follow these steps to ensure your pressure cooker is ready:
Step 1: Check the Sealing Ring
Inspect the sealing ring of your pressure cooker to ensure it is in good condition and free from any cracks or damage. A faulty sealing ring can result in pressure loss during cooking.
Step 2: Clean the Pressure Cooker
Thoroughly clean the pressure cooker, including the lid, with warm soapy water. Rinse it well to remove any residue or soap. Ensure there are no food particles stuck in the valve or other parts of the cooker.
Step 3: Add Water to the Pressure Cooker
Measure and add the appropriate amount of water to the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The water level should be sufficient to generate steam for the entire cooking duration without running dry.
Step 4: Place the Trivet
Insert the trivet or a steaming rack into the pressure cooker. This will elevate the Christmas pudding and prevent it from directly touching the bottom of the cooker. It also allows steam to circulate evenly around the pudding.
Step 5: Fill the Pressure Cooker
Carefully place the filled pudding basin onto the trivet in the pressure cooker. Make sure it is stable and centered to prevent any accidents during the cooking process.
| Warning: | Always consult your pressure cooker’s instruction manual for specific guidance on filling levels and operating instructions. |
Once you have properly prepared your pressure cooker, you are ready to steam the Christmas pudding. Follow the cooking instructions for your specific pressure cooker model to ensure a successful and delicious pudding.
Placing the Pudding in the Pressure Cooker
After you have prepared the Christmas pudding mixture and wrapped it securely in a greased and pleated pudding cloth, it’s time to steam it in a pressure cooker. Here is how you can place the pudding in the pressure cooker:
- Fill the pressure cooker with enough water to create steam, but not so much that it touches the pudding cloth.
- Place a trivet or heatproof rack at the bottom of the pressure cooker. This will elevate the pudding, preventing it from directly sitting in the water.
- Carefully lower the wrapped pudding onto the trivet or rack.
- Securely lock the pressure cooker lid in place.
Make sure to follow the specific instructions for your pressure cooker model regarding water levels, cooking times, and locking the lid. Each pressure cooker may vary slightly.
Once the Christmas pudding is securely placed in the pressure cooker, you can begin the steaming process according to the cooker’s instructions. The high pressure and steam will work together to heat the pudding evenly, resulting in a moist and delicious dessert.
FAQ
What is Christmas pudding?
Christmas pudding is a traditional British dessert that is typically served during the holiday season. It is a steamed or boiled pudding made with suet, breadcrumbs, sugar, and a variety of fruits and spices. It is often served with a rich sauce, such as brandy butter or custard.
Why use a pressure cooker to steam Christmas pudding?
A pressure cooker can be a convenient and efficient way to steam Christmas pudding. It allows for faster cooking times and helps to retain moisture in the pudding. Additionally, using a pressure cooker can save on energy costs compared to traditional steaming methods.
Can I steam Christmas pudding in a regular pot instead of a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can steam Christmas pudding in a regular pot if you do not have a pressure cooker. Simply ensure that you have a tight-fitting lid for the pot to help retain steam. The cooking time may be longer compared to using a pressure cooker, so be sure to check the pudding for doneness using a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center.
