This Vegetarian Christmas Pudding recipe is a delightful, rich, and moist dessert that captures the essence of traditional Christmas flavors without using animal products. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 285 g raisins
- 285 g sultanas
- 250 g pitted prunes, chopped
- 250 g dried apricots, chopped
- 75 g dried apple, chopped
- Grated zest of 1 large orange
- 1 large eating apple, peeled, cored, and grated
- 150 g fresh white or brown breadcrumbs
- 75 g blanched almonds, chopped
- 75 g flaked almonds
- 75 g ground almonds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon each ground nutmeg, mace, cloves, and allspice
- 5 cardamom pods, seeds ground
- 3 tablespoons marmalade
- 4 tablespoons walnut or groundnut oil
- 5 tablespoons concentrated apple juice
- 2 tablespoons clear honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
- 4 large free-range eggs or a vegan egg substitute (like flax eggs)
- 100 ml brandy or apple juice (for non-alcoholic version)
- 125 ml oloroso sherry (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the raisins, sultanas, chopped prunes, dried apricots, and dried apple. Add the grated orange zest and grated apple. Mix well.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, chopped almonds (both flaked and ground), and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, allspice, and cardamom). Stir until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the marmalade, oil, apple juice, honey or maple syrup, eggs (or egg substitute), brandy (or apple juice), and sherry if using. Blend until smooth.
Combine All Ingredients:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and add the fruit mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Prepare the Pudding Basin:
- Grease a 2-liter pudding basin with vegan butter or oil and line the bottom with baking parchment.
Fill the Basin:
- Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared basin. Smooth the top and cover with a pleated sheet of baking parchment followed by foil to allow for expansion while steaming.
Steam the Pudding:
- Place a jam jar lid in a large saucepan and set the pudding basin on top. Fill with boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the basin.
- Cover with a lid and steam for about 5–6 hours. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough water in the pan.
Cool and Store:
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool for about 20 minutes before carefully removing from the basin.
- Wrap tightly in foil or muslin cloth and store in a cool place until ready to serve. It can be stored for up to two months.
Reheat Before Serving:
- On Christmas Day, reheat by steaming again for about 2 hours until piping hot throughout.
Serve:
- Traditionally served with brandy sauce or custard. You can also flambé with warm brandy before serving for an impressive presentation!
Tips
- For best results, make your pudding a few weeks in advance to allow flavors to develop.
- You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup based on personal preference.
Creative Ingredients to Add to a Vegetarian Christmas Pudding
- Spices: Consider adding unique spices like cardamom, ginger, or cloves to enhance the flavor profile.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts can add a delightful crunch and richness.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate zest from lemons, oranges, or limes for a refreshing brightness.
- Coconut: Shredded coconut can add texture and a subtle tropical flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder can provide a rich, indulgent twist.
- Maple Syrup: Instead of traditional sweeteners, use maple syrup for a unique sweetness.
- Fresh Herbs: A hint of rosemary or thyme can add an unexpected depth of flavor.
Can I Use Fresh Fruits Instead of Dried Fruits in a Vegetarian Christmas Pudding?
Using fresh fruits instead of dried fruits in a traditional Christmas pudding is not recommended, as fresh fruits contain more moisture and may alter the texture and cooking time of the pudding. Dried fruits are preferred for their concentrated sweetness and ability to withstand the long steaming process without breaking down.
How Do I Steam a Vegetarian Christmas Pudding Perfectly?
- Prepare the Basin: Grease the pudding basin and line the bottom with greaseproof paper.
- Fill the Basin: Pour the pudding mixture into the basin, filling it about three-quarters full to allow for expansion.
- Cover Properly: Cover the top with a pleated sheet of greaseproof paper followed by foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed to prevent water from entering.
- Set Up for Steaming:
- Place a jam jar lid in the bottom of a large saucepan or use a steamer basket.
- Add boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the basin.
- Steam Gently: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with a lid. Steam for 4-6 hours, checking occasionally to ensure there’s enough water in the pan.
- Check for Doneness: The pudding should be firm to touch and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
Following these steps will help you achieve a perfectly steamed vegetarian Christmas pudding that is rich and moist.
This vegetarian Christmas pudding is sure to be a festive hit at your holiday gatherings!
