Ingredients

10 slices white bread , thick slices , preferably 2- or 10 day old bread , crusts removed
100 g black currants
100 g red currants
100 g blueberries
150 g blackberries
200 g raspberries
350 g strawberries
3/4 cup caster sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons kirsch ( optional )
4 tablespoons water
extra fruit , and leaves to place around the base of the pudding , to decorate
6 cardamom pods , seeds from , very finely crushed
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
Summer pudding is a classic British dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day. While the origins of this dish are unclear, it is believed to have been created as a way to use up stale bread and overripe fruit. Over time, it has evolved to become a beloved dish in many parts of the world, including Australia. This dessert is refreshing, light, and bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of different berries used in the recipe. While summer pudding is generally a healthy dessert, the addition of whipped cream and sugar to this recipe can make it quite indulgent. Nonetheless, it is a perfect treat for a special occasion or a lazy Sunday afternoon with family and friends.

Instructions

1.In a large saucepan, combine the black currants, red currants, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, caster sugar, lemon juice, kirsch (optional), and water.
2.Cook the fruit mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes or until the sugar has completely dissolved and the fruit has released its juice. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3.Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4.Line a 6-cup pudding basin with plastic wrap, making sure there is enough overhang to fold over the top of the pudding.
5.Cut the white bread slices into rounds with a biscuit cutter or a glass that fits the pudding basin.
6.Dip each bread round into the fruit juice, then arrange them tightly in the pudding basin, filling any gaps with smaller pieces of bread.
7.Once the bottom is covered, spoon in some of the fruit from the saucepan, making sure there is an even distribution across the basin.
8.Continue layering the bread and fruit until you reach the top of the basin.
9.Fold the overhang of plastic wrap over the top of the pudding, pressing down gently to compress the mixture.
10.Place a small plate that fits inside the pudding basin on top of the pudding, then weigh it down with some cans of beans or other heavy objects.
11.Chill the pudding in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
12.When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap from the top, then place a large plate on top of the pudding basin and flip it over.
13.Carefully lift off the pudding basin and unwrap the plastic, then garnish with extra fruit and leaves.
14.Serve with whipped cream and sprinkle some finely crushed cardamom pods on top.

PROS

Summer pudding is a refreshing and light dessert that is perfect for a hot day.

This recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require any special equipment.

The combination of different berries in this recipe makes it a vibrant and colorful dish, perfect for a summer gathering.

CONS

While summer pudding is generally a healthy dessert, the addition of whipped cream and sugar to this recipe can make it quite high in calories and fat.

If you are watching your sugar intake, you may wish to reduce the amount of sugar used in this recipe.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Summer pudding is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to the variety of berries used in the recipe.
Berries are also known to be low in calories and high in fiber, which can help promote gut health and regulate blood sugar levels.
Whipped cream, while high in calories and fat, is a good source of calcium which can promote bone health.

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