Perfecting Steamed Pudding: Cooking Time with a Pressure Cooker
Written By James Morgan
Whether you're an outdoor cooking aficionado or a passionate home chef, incorporating a wide variety of dishes into your repertoire is essential. One such dish that may not immediately come to mind for barbecue enthusiasts is the steamed pudding. But why not take this classic British dessert and make it your own using the versatility of a pressure cooker? In this article, we will explore how long to cook a steamed pudding in a pressure cooker and how doing so can elevate your culinary game.
The Art of Steamed Pudding
Steamed pudding is a traditional British dessert that boasts rich, moist texture. Typically made with suet, dried fruits, and spices, it's a comforting dish that screams indulgence. Steaming the pudding ensures it remains moist, but doing so in a traditional steamer can take several hours. So, how can you speed up this process without sacrificing quality? Enter the pressure cooker.
Why Use a Pressure Cooker?
Pressure cookers have revolutionized the way we cook many dishes, cutting cooking time and often preserving the nutrients in food better than other methods. Barbecue enthusiasts might not immediately think of a pressure cooker for desserts, but trust us its worth it. Heres why:
Speed and Efficiency
A pressure cooker dramatically reduces cooking times. A steamed pudding that might take 3-4 hours in a traditional steamer can be done in 1-1.5 hours in a pressure cooker.
Flavor Retention
Pressure cooking traps steam inside, which ensures flavors are sealed in. This means an even more intense flavor profile for your steamed pudding.
Energy Efficiency
Pressure cookers are not just faster they are also more energy-efficient. This makes them an excellent tool for those who want to cook delicious meals without the extended use of fuel or electricity.
Prepping Your Steamed Pudding
Before you dive into pressure cooking, youll need to prepare your steamed pudding. Heres a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients
- 200 grams of self-raising flour
- 100 grams of suet
- 150 grams of mixed dried fruits
- 100 grams of brown sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon of mixed spice
- 2 eggs
- 150ml of milk
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the eggs and milk, stirring to combine well.
- Place the mixture in a greased pudding basin and cover it with a double layer of greased foil and baking parchment, making a pleat in the middle to allow room for expansion.
Cooking the Steamed Pudding in a Pressure Cooker
Now that your pudding is prepped, its time to cook it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to cook a steamed pudding in a pressure cooker and the best way to do it:
Setting Up the Pressure Cooker
Place a trivet at the bottom of the pressure cooker and pour in about 1.5 liters of water. The water level should be just below the base of the trivet.
Position the Pudding Basin
Carefully place the pudding basin on the trivet. Ensure its stable and not touching the sides of the pressure cooker to allow steam to circulate properly.
Cooking Time
Seal the pressure cooker and bring it to high pressure. Once the cooker reaches high pressure, reduce the heat to maintain pressure and cook the pudding for 60-75 minutes. For a richer flavor, aim closer to the 75-minute mark.
Releasing the Pressure
Once the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Carefully open the lid and remove the pudding basin using oven mitts.
Serving Your Steamed Pudding
Allow the pudding to cool slightly before turning it out onto a serving plate. This will ensure it retains its shape and makes for a more elegant presentation. Serve warm, perhaps with a side of custard, cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Cook Steamed Pudding Without Suet?
Yes, you can substitute suet with alternatives like butter or cooking oil. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What If I Dont Have a Pudding Basin?
If you dont have a pudding basin, a heatproof bowl covered tightly with foil will suffice. Just ensure it fits well in your pressure cooker.
Can I Add Different Flavors?
Absolutely! Experiment with various dried fruits, nuts, or even a splash of brandy for a festive touch.
Elevate Your Barbecue Game
Adding a steamed pudding to your repertoire might not only impress your guests but also open them up to a whole new world of flavors. By learning how long to cook a steamed pudding in a pressure cooker, you're expanding your culinary skills and showing that barbecue enthusiasts are capable of mastering a diverse array of dishes.
For more interesting pressure cooker recipes, be sure to check out our other guides such as How Long to Cook Sorghum and How Long to Cook Brussels Sprouts.
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