This traditional British suet pudding filled with tender stewing beef and onions is the perfect comfort food for cold winter evenings. With its rich, soft suet pastry, this classic beef stew pudding is a must-try for any home cook. Enjoy this hearty dish with mashed potatoes and gravy for a truly satisfying meal. Suet pudding is a staple in British cuisine, and its homemade goodness will have you coming back for more!
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Ingredients:
For the Filling:
Stewing beef (500g, diced) – A tender cut perfect for slow cooking
Onion (1 large, finely chopped) – Adds depth and flavor
Plain flour (2 tbsp) – For coating the beef
Butter (25g) – For sautéing the beef and onions
Beef stock (400ml) – For a rich, savory base
Fresh thyme (1 tsp, chopped) – Brings a fragrant touch
Salt and black pepper – Season to taste
For the Suet Pastry:
Self-raising flour (250g) – A light and airy base for your suet pastry
Suet (125g) – Use either vegetarian suet or beef suet for the authentic texture
Cold water (~150ml) – To bring the dough together
Cornflour – For dusting to prevent sticking
Butter – For greasing the pudding basin
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Method:
1. Prepare the Filling
1. Toss the diced beef in plain flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Heat butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the chopped onions and cook until softened. Return the beef to the pan, pour in the beef stock, and add fresh thyme. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 1 hour or until the beef is fork-tender. Let the filling cool slightly.
2. Make the Suet Pastry
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, suet, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the cold water, stirring until the mixture forms a soft, firm dough.
2. Set aside a quarter of the dough for the lid. Roll out the remaining dough on a floured surface to create a circle large enough to line a greased pudding basin.
3. Assemble the Pudding
1. Grease a 1-litre pudding basin with butter, then line it with the rolled-out pastry, pressing it into the edges and allowing excess pastry to hang over the sides.
2. Spoon the cooled beef and onion filling into the pastry-lined basin. Roll out the reserved dough to form a lid. Moisten the edges of the dough and seal the pudding tightly, trimming off any excess pastry.
4. Steam the Pudding
1. Cover the top of the pudding basin with greaseproof paper and foil, securing it tightly with string.
2. Place the pudding basin in a large pot, adding water halfway up the sides. Cover with a lid and steam gently for 2.5–3 hours, ensuring the water level remains constant, topping up as necessary.
5. Serve
1. Once cooked, carefully remove the pudding from the pot. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before turning it out onto a plate.
2. Serve your steak and onion suet pudding with gravy, mashed potatoes, and peas for a classic British comfort food meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This suet pudding is a perfect example of British comfort food, with its tender beef stew filling and soft suet pastry that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or want to try your hand at making traditional British food from scratch, this recipe delivers. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a beloved classic, and it’s sure to please the whole family.
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