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Suet Puddings: A British Classic with a Hearty Twist

Blog • January 8th 2025

From humble beginnings to a British icon

Suet puddings have a fascinating history, dating back to the 14th century. Originally created as a practical way to preserve food, suet puddings were boiled or steamed, using suet (a type of animal fat) to create a rich, tender pastry. These puddings were a staple in rural England, where farms relied on hearty, filling meals to sustain workers through long, cold days.

By the Victorian era, suet puddings had evolved from their simple origins into both savoury and sweet delicacies, gracing the tables of families and royalty alike. Their popularity grew thanks to their versatility, with recipes ranging from savoury steak puddings to sweet treats like spotted dick and jam roly-poly.

The heartiness of suet

What sets suet puddings apart is their unmistakable texture and flavour. Suet pastry, when steamed or boiled, transforms into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crust that perfectly encases the filling. The use of suet also adds a depth of flavour that's both indulgent and satisfying. Suet puddings are perfect for those who crave something hearty and comforting, making them a go-to dish during colder months or for special occasions.

Our favourite suet pudding recipe

Looking to make your own suet puddings from scratch? Thanks to our executive chef, Jeff Baker, we have crafted the perfect pudding recipes for you to make at home. Check out our Steak & Kidney suet pudding recipe for an authentic dish that honours the tradition of suet puddings.

Introducing our new suet puddings

We're proud to present two new suet puddings that honour tradition while delivering exceptional taste:

Mutton & Swede Suet Pudding: This rich, flavourful pudding combines tender mutton with the natural sweetness of swede, all encased in a perfectly steamed suet crust. It's a bold, satisfying dish that's sure to impress.

Steak & Kidney Suet Pudding: A timeless classic elevated with premium ingredients. Juicy steak, savoury kidney, and a rich gravy come together in a traditional suet pastry for an unforgettable dining experience.

Both puddings are crafted with locally sourced ingredients to ensure the highest quality and freshest flavours.

Suet puddings vs pies

While both suet puddings and pies are quintessentially British, they each bring something unique to the table:

  • Texture: Suet puddings are soft and indulgent, while pies feature a crisp, golden crust.
  • Cooking Methods: Puddings are steamed or boiled, creating a moist, tender pastry, whereas pies are baked.
  • Occasions: Suet puddings are ideal for rustic, hearty meals, while pies lend themselves to more versatile dining.
  • Tradition: Suet puddings have deep roots in British farm life, while pies have become a broader symbol of British cuisine.

Both hold a special place in the hearts of food lovers, but suet puddings offer a unique, warming experience that's hard to beat.

Fun facts about suet puddings

  • The earliest suet puddings were purely savoury and used as a means to preserve meats.
  • Sweet suet puddings became popular in the Victorian era, adding variety to British desserts.
  • Suet's high-fat content made it a valuable cooking ingredient before refrigeration was commonplace.
  • Suet puddings are often associated with winter feasts and festive celebrations.

Why choose our suet puddings?

Our suet puddings stand out because of the care and craftsmanship that go into every dish:

  • Handcrafted excellence: Each pudding is made with attention to detail, ensuring a perfect balance of filling and pastry.
  • Locally sourced ingredients: We work with trusted farms to bring you the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
  • Authentic flavours: Our recipes honour tradition while delivering a contemporary twist for today's palates.

How to enjoy suet puddings

Suet puddings are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with classic British sides:

  • Mash and Gravy: Creamy mashed potatoes and a rich onion gravy are perfect companions.
  • Seasonal Vegetables: Steamed greens or roasted root vegetables add balance and texture.
  • Casual or Formal: Enjoy as a comforting weeknight dinner or as the centrepiece of a festive meal.

For best results, steam or heat the pudding according to the instructions, and serve hot for maximum flavour.