Spotted Dick
is a traditional British steamed suet pudding. Here's a classic recipe for you:
### Ingredients:
- **200g (7 oz) suet** (beef or vegetable)
- **200g (7 oz) self-raising flour**
- **100g (3.5 oz) currants** or sultanas
- **100g (3.5 oz) sugar** (caster or granulated)
- **1/2 tsp baking powder**
- **1/2 tsp mixed spice** (optional)
- **1/2 tsp salt**
- **1 large egg**
- **150 ml (5 fl oz) milk**
- **50g (1.75 oz) butter** (melted)
- **Grated zest of 1 lemon** (optional)
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Steaming Setup**: Grease a 1-liter (2-pint) pudding basin and line the base with a round of parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine the suet, self-raising flour, currants, sugar, baking powder, mixed spice (if using), and salt.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and lemon zest (if using).
4. **Combine**: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly lumpy.
5. **Transfer to Basin**: Spoon the mixture into the prepared pudding basin, leveling the top.
6. **Cover and Steam**: Cut a piece of parchment paper and a piece of aluminum foil to fit over the basin. Place the parchment paper over the top, then cover with the foil. Secure with string around the rim.
Place the basin in a large saucepan with enough boiling water to come halfway up the side of the basin. Steam for about 1.5 to 2 hours, checking occasionally and topping up the water if necessary.
7. **Serve**: Once cooked, remove the pudding from the saucepan and let it rest for a few minutes before turning it out. Serve with custard or cream.
Enjoy your traditional Spotted Dick!