Desserts > Scottish Puddings > Clootie Dumplings

Orange and Date Clootie Dumpling Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup suet
- 1 cup milk
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt

Special equipment needed:
- A large pot with a lid
- A clootie cloth or muslin cloth
- Kitchen twine

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, breadcrumbs, chopped dates, brown sugar, suet, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Add the milk and orange juice to the mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.

4. Prepare the clootie cloth or muslin cloth by soaking it in boiling water for a few minutes, then wringing it out and dusting it with flour.

5. Place the dough in the center of the cloth and gather the edges together, tying them with kitchen twine to form a tight bundle.

6. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the dumpling and bring it to a boil.

7. Carefully lower the dumpling into the pot and cover with a lid.

8. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 3 hours, checking occasionally to make sure the water level hasn't dropped too low.

9. After 3 hours, remove the dumpling from the pot and carefully unwrap it from the cloth.

10. Serve the dumpling warm with custard or cream.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Temperature:
Simmering temperature
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 45g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of suet, you can use butter or margarine.
- Instead of chopped dates, you can use raisins or currants.
- Instead of self-raising flour, you can use all-purpose flour and add 1 tsp of baking powder.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Replace the orange zest and juice with lemon or lime for a different citrus flavor.
- Add a splash of whiskey or brandy to the dough for a boozy twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dumpling is tightly wrapped in the cloth to prevent water from seeping in.
- Use a large pot to allow the dumpling to move around freely while cooking.
- Serve the dumpling warm with custard or cream for a comforting dessert.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover dumpling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, wrap the dumpling in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dumpling on a platter with a drizzle of custard or cream.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruit on top of the dumpling for extra texture.

Pairings:
- Serve the dumpling with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Suggested side dishes:
- This dumpling is a dessert on its own and doesn't require any side dishes.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dumpling is too dry, add a splash of milk to the dough.
- If the dumpling is too wet, add more breadcrumbs or flour to the dough.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the dumpling is cooked all the way through before serving.
- Store leftover dumpling in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before eating.

Food history:
- Clootie dumpling is a traditional Scottish dessert that dates back to the 19th century.
- It was traditionally made in a cloth (or "clootie") and boiled in a pot of water.

Flavor profiles:
- This dumpling is sweet and spicy with a citrusy twist.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the dumpling warm with custard or cream for a comforting dessert.

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Region: Scottish

Taste: Sweet, Fruity, Tangy, Spiced