Sussex Pond Pudding, with its roots in the historic county of Sussex, England, is a traditional steamed suet pudding known for its rich flavor and intriguing transformation of ingredients. Inside the pudding, whole lemons become a luscious, tangy sauce, blending beautifully with a buttery, doughy crust. This dish is a delightful explosion of flavors that bring comfort and a taste of British heritage to the dining table.
Begin by greasing a steaming basin. This will ensure that the pudding releases easily once cooked.
In a mixing bowl, sift the self-rising flour and add the shredded suet. Gradually mix in cold water until a soft dough forms, kneading lightly by hand.
Roll out two-thirds of the dough on a floured surface to an even round large enough to line the basin. Place it in the basin, ensuring there are no gaps.
Layer the butter and light brown sugar into the basin, followed by the pierced lemons, to be seated snugly.
Roll out the remaining dough to create a lid for the filling. Moisten the edges and pinch to seal tightly, preventing any escape of steam.
Cover the basin with a double layer of greaseproof paper and kitchen foil, tied securely with kitchen string.
Place the basin on an upturned saucer in a large pot, filling the pot with boiling water reaching halfway up the basin's side.
Cover with a lid and steam for approximately 2.5 hours, ensuring the water maintains its level by topping up as necessary.
Once finished, carefully remove and let the pudding cool slightly before turning it out onto a serving plate. The warm aroma of caramelized sugar and softened lemons will greet you.
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Notes
Lori’s Tips:
For a lighter lemon flavor, you can use just one lemon.
Experiment with orange for a sweeter, citrusy variation.
For a pastry cream filling, consider adding a touch of vanilla essence.