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Figgy Pudding? What exactly is it?

What is this Mysterious Dessert?

Ah, Figgy Pudding – the famed, often-sung-about but rarely seen star of British Christmas feasts. You might be wondering, “What exactly is Figgy Pudding?”

Well, it’s a bit of a Christmas miracle! Despite its name, traditional Figgy Pudding doesn’t actually contain figs.

The Fantastical World of Figgy Pudding: A British Christmas Delight

Historically, “fig” was a generic term for dried fruit, so the “figgy” in the pudding actually refers to raisins. This rich and dense concoction is more like a cake than a pudding in the American sense and is packed with a mix of dried fruits and spices.

Time Investment: A Labor of Love

Preparing Figgy Pudding is not for the faint-hearted! From start to finish, including cooking, it can take around 7 hours. But remember, good things come to those who wait! (LOL)

Ingredients for Figgy Pudding

  • Suet (beef or vegetarian)→ – 4 oz (115 grams)
  • Brown sugar – 1 cup (200 grams)
  • Self-rising flour – 1½ cups (180 grams)
  • Bread crumbs – 1½ cups (150 grams)
  • Mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice) – 1 tsp
  • Salt – a pinch
  • Raisins – 1 cup (150 grams)
  • Sultanas (golden raisins) – 1 cup (150 grams)
  • Currants – 1 cup (150 grams)
  • Mixed peel – ½ cup (75 grams)
  • Apple, grated – 1 medium
  • Lemon zest – from 1 lemon
  • Orange zest – from 1 orange
  • Almonds, chopped – ½ cup (60 grams)
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Stout or dark beer – ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Brandy – 2 tbsp (30 ml)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Pudding

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine suet, flour, breadcrumbs, brown sugar, mixed spice, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Add Fruits and Nuts: Stir in raisins, sultanas, currants, mixed peel, grated apple, lemon zest, orange zest, and almonds.
  3. Bind the Mixture: Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture along with stout and brandy. Stir well.
  4. Steam the Pudding: Pour the mixture into a greased pudding basin. Cover with a double layer of grease-proof paper and a layer of aluminum foil. Tie securely with string. Place in a steamer over boiling water and steam for 6 hours, topping up water as needed.
  5. Rest the Pudding: Cool and store in a cool, dry place. Ideally, let it mature for a few weeks.

Perfecting Figgy Pudding: Tips for Success

  • Fruit Quality: Use high-quality dried fruits for the best flavor.
  • Steaming: Ensure the water doesn’t boil dry during the long steaming process.
  • Maturing: The longer you let the pudding mature, the better the flavors develop.

Nutritional Information: Indulgence in Moderation

Per serving (1/10th of the pudding):

  • Approximately 370 calories
  • 12g fat
  • 58g carbohydrates
  • 5g protein

Preserving the Magic: Storing Leftovers

Leftover pudding can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat by steaming for about an hour.

What is Vegetarian Suet?

Vegetarian suet is a plant-based alternative to traditional suet, which is a type of hard fat derived from the area around the kidneys and loins of cattle or sheep.
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Unlike traditional animal-based suet, vegetarian suet is made from a blend of vegetable fats, often palm oil and rice flour.
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It’s designed to mimic the texture and cooking properties of animal suet, making it suitable for use in recipes that traditionally call for suet, such as steamed puddings, mincemeat, and dumplings.
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Vegetarian suet is a popular choice for those following vegetarian or vegan diets, or for those who prefer to avoid animal fats for health or ethical reasons.
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It provides a similar richness and moist texture to dishes as animal suet would, but without using any animal products.
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This makes it an excellent option for dishes like Figgy Pudding, allowing everyone to enjoy traditional recipes regardless of their dietary preferences.

A Tale of 13 Ingredients: The Lore of Figgy Pudding

Figgy Pudding’s rich history includes the belief that it should contain 13 ingredients, symbolizing Christ and the 12 apostles.

This tradition adds a layer of spiritual significance to the dish, making it a meaningful centerpiece of the Christmas feast.

A Carol to Close: Singing for Pudding

And now, for a bit of festive cheer, let’s end with a few stanzas from “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” famously demanding this delightful dessert:

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year

[Chorus]
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin
We wish a merry Christmas and a happy New Year

Now bring us some figgy pudding
Now bring us some figgy pudding
Now bring us some figgy pudding
Now bring some out here
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Merry Christmas!