Old English Steak and Mushroom Pudding
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Recipe Category: Main Course, Savory Pudding
Cuisine: British
Servings: 4
Description:
The Old English Steak and Mushroom Pudding is a time-honored dish that has nearly vanished from the modern culinary scene. Known for its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this savory pudding is perfect for special occasions such as Christmas Eve dinners, family gatherings, or to impress guests. The slow cooking process of this dish allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the result is a comforting, hearty meal that is well worth the wait. Although it requires patience, this dish’s complexity and depth make it truly unforgettable.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms | 1 cup |
| Onion | 2 1/2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 3 tsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1/2 tbsp |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Self-rising flour | 3 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Cold water | 6 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 706.6 kcal |
| Fat | 40.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 124.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1351.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugars | 2.1 g |
| Protein | 29.6 g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pastry
Start by making the pastry. Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Next, cut the butter into small pieces and stir it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Slowly add cold water and stir with a fork to form a loose dough. Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a floured surface. Press the dough together gently, avoiding overworking it to maintain a tender crust.
Step 2: Greasing and Lining the Pudding Mold
Brush a 5-cup pudding mold with butter or oil to ensure the pudding doesn’t stick. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to form a 10-inch circle. Cut out a quarter section of the dough and set it aside for the top of the pudding. Line the mold with the remaining dough, pressing the edges up against the sides to form a neat crust. Once the mold is lined, set it aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Preparing the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, mushrooms, onion, and self-rising flour. Season with fresh ground black pepper and stir until all the ingredients are well-mixed. Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, then stir again to incorporate all the flavors.
Step 4: Assembling the Pudding
Transfer the prepared filling into the pastry-lined pudding mold. Gently bring the overlapping edges of the pastry towards the center, moistening the edges with a little cold water to seal the pudding. Cover the top with the reserved quarter piece of dough, pressing the edges to form a tight seal.
Step 5: Steaming the Pudding
Cut a circle of wax paper that fits over the top of the pudding and place it on the dough. Then, cover the entire pudding mold with foil. Boil 2 inches of water in a large saucepan that is capable of holding the pudding mold. Once the water has come to a boil, carefully lower the pudding mold into the pan, ensuring that it sits above the water level. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to a simmer, and steam the pudding for 2 1/2 hours. It is important to check the water level occasionally during cooking and add more water if necessary to prevent it from boiling dry.
Step 6: Serving
Once the pudding is cooked, carefully remove the mold from the saucepan and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Carefully unmold the pudding onto a serving plate. To serve, slice the pudding and pair it with steamed baby carrots and boiled red potatoes for a classic and comforting meal.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the water level in the steaming pan is maintained to avoid burning or undercooking the pudding.
- Be careful when unmolding the pudding to retain its shape.
- This pudding pairs beautifully with a rich gravy, which can be made from the juices released during the steaming process.
- If you don’t have a pudding mold, a well-greased heatproof bowl can serve as a substitute.
This traditional Old English Steak and Mushroom Pudding is a perfect dish for a winter evening or holiday dinner. The time spent preparing it is well worth the deliciously tender filling and savory pastry crust. Enjoy this timeless recipe with your loved ones, and savor the rich, comforting flavors of this hearty dish.
