Traditional Suet Pudding with Beef and Onion

👉Ingredients:

❤️For the Filling:

↪️500g stewing beef, cut into cubes

↪️1 large onion, finely chopped

↪️2 tablespoons plain flour (for dusting)

↪️25g butter

↪️400ml beef stock

↪️1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

↪️Salt and pepper, to taste

❤️For the Pastry:

↪️250g self-raising flour

↪️125g suet (traditional or vegetarian)

↪️About 150ml cold water

↪️Cornflour (for dusting)

↪️Extra butter (for greasing)

👉Method:

✅️1. Prepare the Filling:

◾️Toss the beef cubes in flour, shaking off any excess.

◾️Melt the butter in a pan and brown the beef on all sides. Remove and set aside.

◾️In the same pan, cook the onions until soft.

◾️Return the beef to the pan, add the stock and thyme, and season with salt and pepper.

◾️Simmer gently for about 1 hour, until the meat is tender. Allow to cool slightly.

✅️2. Make the Pastry:

◾️In a bowl, mix the self-raising flour, suet, and a pinch of salt.

◾️Gradually add cold water to form a firm dough.

◾️Set aside about a quarter of the dough for the lid.

◾️Roll out the remaining dough and use it to line a greased 1-litre pudding basin.

✅️3. Assemble the Pudding:

◾️Spoon the cooled filling into the pastry-lined basin.

◾️Roll out the reserved dough and place it on top to form a lid.

◾️Dampen the edges with water and seal the lid to the pastry. Trim off any excess.

✅️4. Steam the Pudding:

◾️Cover the basin tightly with a layer of parchment paper and foil, tying securely with string.

◾️Place the basin in a large pan with simmering water coming halfway up the sides.

◾️Steam gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, topping up the water as necessary.

✅️5. Serve:

◾️Let the pudding rest for 5 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a plate.

◾️Serve hot with mashed potatoes and green vegetables.

👉Time and Servings:

◾️⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes

◾️🕒 Cook Time: 3.5 hours

◾️🍴 Serves: 4

✅️Notes:

◾️Browning the beef well gives a richer flavor.

◾️Keep the water at a steady simmer during steaming.

◾️Leftovers can be reheated and are just as delicious the next day.

◾️A hearty, classic British dish that's truly worth the wait!