Steaming Pudding: Slow Cooker Timing Perfection

Steaming a pudding in a slow cooker is a great way to save time and effort. The process is simple: fill the slow cooker with water, place the pudding basin inside, put the lid on, and let it steam. The length of time needed to steam a pudding in a slow cooker depends on the size of the pudding basin and the desired level of doneness. For a 1-quart basin, steam for 1 hour on high and then an additional 4 hours on low. For a 1.5-quart basin, steam for 1 hour on high and then an additional 5 hours on low. And for a 2.5-quart basin, steam for 1 hour on high and then an additional 6 hours on low. It is important to ensure that the water level in the slow cooker does not drop too low during the steaming process, so check it periodically and add more boiling water if needed.

How to steam a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker

Steaming a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker is a great way to free up hob space and reduce the worry of having to keep an eye on water levels. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you steam your Christmas pudding with ease.

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Basin

First, you will need to prepare your pudding basin. You can use a glass or ceramic bowl, or a plastic pudding basin with a lid. The size of the basin will depend on the quantity of pudding mixture you have. For a 1-1.5 quart bowl, you can steam one pudding at a time. If using a larger bowl, you may be able to fit two smaller bowls in together.

Once you have your bowl(s), grease them generously with butter. If using a glass or ceramic bowl, cut a square of parchment paper to cover the bowl, allowing an extra 6 inches outside the rim. Create a fold in the center of the parchment paper, which will allow steam to accumulate inside the bowl without bursting the paper. Secure the parchment paper with cotton thread or twine, tying it securely just below the rim of the bowl.

Now, cover the entire bowl with aluminum foil, ensuring the closure is over the top. This will help to prevent water from entering the bowl during steaming.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the prepared bowl(s) into the slow cooker, making sure the edge of the bowl is at least 1/2 inch away from the walls of the slow cooker. If using a larger slow cooker, you may need to adjust the distance to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Add Water and Steam

Now, carefully add water to the slow cooker. The water level should reach about halfway up the sides of the pudding bowl(s). If using a larger bowl, you can add water up to three-quarters of the way up.

Place the lid on the slow cooker and turn it on. For a 1-quart bowl or smaller, cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 4 hours. For a 1.5-quart bowl, cook on high for 1 hour and then an additional 5 hours on low. For a 2.5-quart bowl, steam for 1 hour on high, followed by 6 hours on low.

Step 4: Reheating and Serving

Once the pudding is cooked, carefully remove the bowl(s) from the slow cooker, using oven mitts to protect your hands from the steam. Allow the pudding to cool for at least 2 hours before removing the parchment paper and foil.

To reheat the pudding on Christmas Day, simply place the bowl back into the slow cooker and follow the same steaming instructions, steaming for 3-4 hours on low.

Finally, turn the pudding out onto a serving plate and enjoy! Your delicious, slow-cooked Christmas pudding is now ready to be savored and shared with your loved ones.

Tips:

• You can make the pudding mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before steaming.
• If you want to add a dramatic flair to your Christmas pudding, you can set it alight before serving.
• Serve your pudding with traditional accompaniments like brandy butter, custard, or cream.

Happy steaming, and may your Christmas be filled with delicious flavors and joyful moments!

How to prepare a slow cooker for steaming a pudding

Preparing a slow cooker for steaming a pudding is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Basin

First, select an appropriately-sized pudding basin. A 1.5-pint pudding basin is commonly used, but you can also use a larger or smaller one depending on your needs. If you are using a plastic pudding basin, ensure it is suitable for steaming. You can also use a glass or ceramic bowl; just make sure it is heat-resistant and can withstand immersion in boiling water. Grease the pudding basin with butter or margarine. This will prevent the pudding from sticking to the basin and make it easier to remove later.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Next, get your slow cooker ready. Preheat your slow cooker to high. Place a trivet or a folded piece of aluminium foil at the bottom of the slow cooker to elevate the pudding basin slightly and prevent direct contact with the heat source. This is especially important if you are using a glass or ceramic bowl. Then, pour in enough boiling water to reach about halfway up the sides of the pudding basin.

Step 3: Add the Pudding

Now, it's time to add the pudding mixture to the basin. If you are making a steamed sponge pudding, you might want to add a layer of golden syrup or treacle to the bottom of the pudding basin before adding the batter. This will create a delicious, sticky topping for your pudding. Cover the pudding basin with a circle of greaseproof paper or baking parchment, followed by a layer of aluminium foil. Secure the covering with string or cotton twine, ensuring that it is tight and waterproof. You can also create a handle with the twine to facilitate lifting the basin in and out of the slow cooker later.

Step 4: Steam the Pudding

Carefully lower the pudding basin into the slow cooker, ensuring that the water level is at least halfway up the sides of the basin. Place the lid on the slow cooker and set the temperature to high for the first hour of cooking. Then, reduce the heat to low and continue steaming for several hours, depending on the size of your pudding. For a 1-pint basin, steam for an additional 3 to 4 hours; for a 1.5-pint basin, steam for 5 to 6 hours; and for a 2.5-pint basin, steam for 6 to 8 hours. Check the water level periodically and top up with boiling water as needed to ensure the basin remains partially submerged.

Step 5: Remove and Serve

Once the pudding is cooked, carefully remove the basin from the slow cooker using oven mitts or the handle you created. Allow the pudding to cool for at least two hours before removing the covering and inverting the pudding onto a serving plate. Your delicious steamed pudding is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to prepare a pudding basin for steaming

Preparing a pudding basin for steaming is a simple process, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure your pudding turns out perfectly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a pudding basin for steaming:

Step 1: Grease the Pudding Basin

Start by greasing the inside of your pudding basin with butter or margarine. This will help prevent the pudding from sticking to the sides of the basin and make it easier to remove once it's cooked.

Step 2: Line the Basin

Cut a circle of greaseproof or baking paper that fits the base of the pudding basin. This will help to create a barrier between the pudding and the basin, making it easier to remove later. Place the paper circle, greased side down, over the basin.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Mixture

If you're making a sponge pudding, carefully pour the mixture into the basin, levelling it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon. For a fruit-based pudding, pack the mixture tightly into the basin to ensure there are no gaps.

Step 4: Create a Pleat

Cut a large square of aluminium foil and a slightly smaller square of greaseproof paper. Place the greaseproof paper on top of the foil and make a pleat by folding a crease in the centre of both. This will allow room for your pudding to expand during cooking.

Step 5: Cover the Basin

Place the foil and paper over the pudding basin, with the greaseproof paper facing down. Secure it in place by tying a string around the rim of the basin. Cut away any excess paper and tuck the foil underneath to ensure the pudding remains watertight.

Step 6: Create a Handle

Make a handle for your pudding by threading a double length of string through the string already tied around the basin. Pull it through to the other side and secure it. This will help you lift the pudding basin in and out of the steamer or pan.

Now that your pudding basin is prepared, you can place it in your slow cooker or steamer, following the specific instructions for your chosen cooking method. Remember to keep the water level halfway up the basin and top it up as needed. Enjoy your delicious steamed pudding!

How to tell when a steamed pudding is ready

Steamed pudding is a traditional British dessert. It is cooked by steaming a pudding basin in a slow cooker or crockpot. The pudding is ready when a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean, with no raw batter clinging to it. The pudding should also be well risen and spring back when lightly pressed in the middle.

• First, it is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of the pudding basin and the amount of pudding mixture. For example, a 1-quart basin may require 1 hour of cooking on high and an additional 4 hours on low, while a 2-quart basin may need 1 hour on high and 6 hours on low.
• To check if the pudding is ready, insert a skewer into the middle of the pudding. The skewer should come out clean, with no raw batter clinging to it.
• The pudding should also be well risen and spring back when lightly pressed in the middle. This indicates that it is cooked through and ready to be served.
• Remove the pudding from the slow cooker and allow it to stand for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.
• For individual steamed puddings, such as those made in ramekins or cocottes, the cooking time will be shorter. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking the puddings regularly to avoid overcooking.
• It is worth noting that steamed puddings can be reheated. They can be placed back into the slow cooker and steamed for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on their size.

How to reheat a steamed pudding

A steamed pudding is a traditional British dessert. It can be steamed in a cloth bag (clootie) directly within simmering water or the uncooked pudding can be placed within a covered pudding basin/dish, which is then placed in a pot of simmering water. Preparing classic steamed puddings in a slow cooker or crockpot is less fuss and more budget-friendly compared to steaming for hours on a stovetop.

Reheating a Steamed Pudding in a Slow Cooker

Place the cooked pudding back into the pudding cooking dish or a similar heatproof container and pop it back into the slow cooker. Set the cooker to high and leave it until the pudding is reheated to your liking.

Reheating a Steamed Pudding in an Oven

Place the pudding in an oven-proof dish and cover the top. Reheat in a hot oven for 10-15 minutes or until the pudding is nice and hot.

Reheating Individual Portions of a Steamed Pudding

Individual portions can be reheated in a microwave and will take only a few minutes to reheat to piping hot. (Do change the pudding dish to a microwave-safe one if necessary and remove any kitchen foil that may have been used as part of the pudding lid.)

Frequently asked questions