Definition

Noun: A steamed pudding is a traditional dessert or sweet dish that is cooked by the method of steaming. It is typically a moist, dense cake, often containing ingredients like suet, flour, breadcrumbs, dried fruit, and spices. The mixture is placed in a basin or mold, covered, and then steamed for several hours, resulting in a warm, comforting food.

Usage

The term "steamed pudding" refers specifically to the finished dish prepared by steaming. It is commonly used in British and Commonwealth cuisines, especially during colder months and holidays like Christmas.

Examples

• For dessert, we had a rich steamed pudding with custard.
• My grandmother's recipe for Christmas steamed pudding is a family treasure.
• The texture of a properly made steamed pudding should be wonderfully moist and even.

Advanced Usage

• "To serve a pudding with": Steamed puddings are traditionally served with a sauce, such as custard, brandy butter, or cream.
  • The sticky toffee steamed pudding was delicious when served with vanilla ice cream.

Variants and Related Words

• Spotted Dick: A specific type of British steamed pudding containing suet and currants or raisins.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding: A modern steamed pudding made with dates and covered in a toffee sauce.
• Steamed: (Verb) The cooking process used to prepare this dish.
• Pudding: (Noun) A broader category of desserts, which can include steamed, baked, or boiled dishes.

Synonyms

• Steamed dessert
• Hot pudding (when specifying it is served warm, in contrast to cold puddings)

Related Phrases

• "Steamed in a basin": Describes the classic cooking vessel for this dish.
  • The steamed pudding must be steamed in a basin for at least four hours.

Noun

1. a pudding cooked by steaming