Steam Pudding Cooking Vessels: Exploring Your Options

Steam puddings are traditionally cooked in a large pan on a stove, but they can also be cooked in an oven, slow cooker, or electric steamer. The pudding mixture is placed in a heat-proof bowl, also known as a pudding basin, and cooked by steaming. The steam regulates the heat at which the pudding cooks, ensuring that the pudding remains moist.

Using a steamer

Steaming a pudding is a traditional way of cooking a soft, moist, cake-like treat. It is typically associated with sweet Christmas or chocolate puddings, but savoury puddings such as steak and kidney pudding can also be cooked this way.

To steam a pudding, you will need a steamer, a steamer basket, a pot, a steamer mould or pudding basin, greaseproof paper, aluminium foil, and string.

First, grease your mould with butter to prevent the pudding from sticking to the inside once it is steamed. Then, pour your pudding mixture into the mould, leaving about one inch of space at the top for the pudding to expand.

Next, cut one square of grease-proof paper and one square of tinfoil that are slightly larger than your pudding mould. Fold both sheets in half to make a crease, then unfold. Place the grease-proof paper on top of the tinfoil, then put both on top of the mould with the tinfoil facing upwards. Secure the covering in place by tying a length of string just underneath the lip of the mould. Thread another length of string on either side of the basin and tie it in place to make a handle, which will help when removing the pudding from the pot.

Now, fill a pot with about two inches of water, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the mould. Place the steamer basket inside the pot and turn it to medium heat. When the pot is simmering, slowly lower your pudding into the basket, ensuring that the bottom doesn't touch the water. Cover the pot and steam the pudding for about one to two hours, checking the water level every 20 minutes and topping it off if necessary.

Once the pudding is done, remove it from the pot and cut the string. Carefully slide a knife in between the pudding and the mould to loosen the edges, then flip the pudding upside down onto a plate. Serve the pudding with cream, custard, or hard sauce.

In the oven

Steam puddings can be cooked in the oven by placing the pudding basin in a deep roasting pan filled with hot water. The pudding is then covered with a foil 'tent' to capture the steam and cooked for around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes on medium heat (180°C/350°F/gas 4) or as per the recipe's instructions. It is important to regularly check the water level and top up if required.

• Grease a pudding basin with butter to ensure the pudding doesn't stick to the basin once it's steamed.
• Pour the pudding mixture into the greased basin, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top for the pudding to expand during steaming.
• Cut a square of grease-proof paper and a square of tinfoil slightly larger than the basin.
• Fold the grease-proof paper inside the tinfoil to make a pleat, then unfold the squares and place them on top of the basin with the tinfoil facing upwards.
• Secure the covering with a length of twine tied just below the rim of the basin.
• Thread another length of twine on either side of the basin and tie it to form a handle, which will be useful for removing the pudding from the oven.
• Place the covered pudding basin in a deep roasting pan and fill the pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the basin.
• Cover the pudding with a foil 'tent' to capture the steam.
• Place the roasting pan in the oven and cook at a medium heat setting (180°C/350°F/gas 4) for around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or as per the recipe's instructions.
• Regularly check the water level and top up with hot water if required.
• Once the pudding is cooked, remove it from the oven and take off the foil and grease-proof paper covering.
• Loosen the pudding around the edges with a knife and invert the pudding onto a plate.

In a slow cooker

Steam Pudding in a Slow Cooker

Steam puddings can be cooked in a slow cooker, and this method is ideal for those who want to prepare a pudding with minimal effort and attention. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking a steam pudding in a slow cooker:

Firstly, prepare your pudding basin or mould. Butter the basin generously to ensure the pudding does not stick, and then dust with flour or sugar, depending on your recipe. You can also line the basin with greaseproof paper or baking parchment for extra protection.

Next, prepare your pudding mixture according to your recipe. This could be a traditional Christmas pudding mix of dried fruit, spices, and treacle, or perhaps a lighter sponge pudding with a jam or syrup filling. The beauty of a slow cooker is that it can accommodate a wide variety of pudding recipes.

Once your mixture is ready, fill the slow cooker with hot water to a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm). Place the prepared pudding basin in the slow cooker, ensuring the water comes about halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to high.

The cooking time will depend on the type of pudding you are making and the size of your basin. As a general guide, a small sponge pudding may take around 2-3 hours, while a larger, richer pudding may take 6-8 hours. Check the water level regularly and top up as needed to ensure your pudding doesn't boil dry.

When your pudding is cooked, turn off the slow cooker and carefully remove the basin using oven mitts or tongs. Leave the pudding to cool slightly before turning it out onto a serving plate. Serve warm, with your choice of custard, cream, ice cream, or sauce.

Cooking steam pudding in a slow cooker is an easy and convenient way to enjoy a delicious, comforting dessert. With a slow cooker, you can create a perfectly steamed, moist, and flavourful pudding with very little effort!

In an electric steamer

Electric steamers are a modern alternative to steaming puddings on the hob. They are a great option if you want to steam a pudding without using the oven or stove. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam a pudding in an electric steamer:

Firstly, grease your pudding basin with butter. This is an important step to ensure your pudding doesn't stick to the basin. Then, pour your pudding mixture into the greased basin, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top to allow the pudding to expand.

Next, cut out a square of grease-proof paper and a square of tinfoil, both slightly larger than the basin's rim. Place the grease-proof paper on top of the tinfoil, and fold both sheets in half to make a crease in the middle. This crease will allow the pudding to expand as it heats up.

Now, cover your pudding basin with the grease-proof paper and tinfoil, foil-side up, and secure it with a length of twine tied just underneath the lip of the basin. You can also thread another length of twine on either side of the basin to create a handle, making it easier to lift the pudding out of the steamer later.

Fill your electric steamer with hot water until it reaches about halfway up the side of the pudding basin. Then, place the basin in the steamer and turn it on, setting a timer for the amount of time specified in your recipe (usually around 1-2 hours). Don't forget to keep an eye on the water level and top it up if it starts to get low.

Finally, when your pudding is cooked, remove it from the steamer and cut the string. Carefully slide a knife around the edges of the pudding to loosen it from the basin, then flip it upside down onto a plate and serve with cream, custard, or hard sauce.

In a microwave

Steam puddings can be cooked in the microwave, but it is important to note that this method is not suitable for large puddings. For a microwave-cooked steamed pudding, cover the basin with cling film, pierce it a few times with a fork, and then microwave on medium-high for 4-6 minutes. Check that it is cooked with a cocktail stick. Leave to rest for 2 minutes before turning out onto a serving plate.

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Basin

Grease a microwave-safe pudding basin with butter. Cut a square of grease-proof paper and a square of aluminium foil that are slightly larger than the basin's rim. Fold both squares in half to make a pleat in the middle, then unfold them. Place the grease-proof paper on top of the foil, grease-side down.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Mixture

Prepare your favourite steamed pudding mixture. There are many options available, including Christmas pudding, fruit and nut pudding, cranberry pudding, and even chocolate pudding. Pour the mixture into the greased basin, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top to allow for expansion during cooking.

Step 3: Cover the Basin

Place the grease-proof paper and foil on top of the basin, with the foil facing upwards. Secure the covering with a length of kitchen twine tied just under the rim of the basin. Thread another piece of twine through the first piece to create a handle, which will make it easier to lift the pudding out of the microwave later.

Step 4: Microwave the Pudding

Place the covered basin in the microwave and cook on medium-high power for 4-6 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave and the size of your pudding, so it is important to keep an eye on it. Check if the pudding is cooked by inserting a cocktail stick or toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean, the pudding is ready; if not, continue microwaving in short intervals until done.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the pudding is cooked, remove it from the microwave using the handle and leave it to rest for about 2 minutes. Then, carefully remove the twine, foil, and grease-proof paper. Invert the pudding onto a serving plate and enjoy!

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