18 Best Christmas Pudding Recipe Nigella Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: May 2, 2024
When it comes to Christmas desserts, nothing beats a traditional Christmas pudding. A rich, fruity, and indulgent treat, this pudding has been a staple in British households for centuries. And while there are countless variations of this beloved dessert, one recipe stands out among the rest - Nigella Lawson's best Christmas pudding recipe. In this article, we will delve into the secrets of making the perfect Christmas pudding according to Nigella, and why it should be your go-to recipe this holiday season.
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cheddar, Large Egg Yolk, All Purpose
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with these tasty cheddar crisps. Simply mix together shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano and then sprinkle it on top of your chicken before cooking. The result? A crispy, cheesy crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs
Get into the holiday spirit with this delicious Christmas pudding recipe. Made with dried fruit, spices, and brandy, this pudding is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken dinner. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.
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Potato Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney (Samosas)
Main Ingredients: Jaggery, Tamarind Concentrate, Ground Cumin, Black
Add some Indian flavors to your beer can chicken with these tasty potato dumplings served with tamarind chutney. The tangy and sweet chutney pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and the crispy exterior of the dumplings adds a nice texture to the meal.
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Homemade Naan Bread
Main Ingredients: Naan, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
No Indian meal is complete without some naan bread on the side. Impress your guests by making your own homemade naan bread to serve with your beer can chicken. This recipe uses yogurt to give the bread a soft and chewy texture, making it the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
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Traditional Christmas Pudding (Figgy Pudding)
Main Ingredients: Dried Currants, Raisins, Golden Raisins, Candied Orange
For a more traditional take on Christmas pudding, try this figgy pudding recipe. Made with figs, dates, and rum, this rich and moist dessert is a must-try during the holiday season. Serve it with a drizzle of custard for the ultimate indulgence.
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Aloo Curry (Indian Potato Curry)
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Cooking Oil, Mustard Seeds, Cumin
This simple and flavorful potato curry is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Made with potatoes, tomatoes, and a blend of fragrant spices, this dish is sure to add some extra flavor to your meal. Serve it with rice or naan bread for a complete Indian-inspired feast.
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Fluffy Zucchini Bread
Main Ingredients: Zucchinis, Salt, Whole Wheat Flour, Instant Yeast
Looking for a healthier side dish to serve with your beer can chicken? This fluffy zucchini bread is the perfect option. Made with zucchini, whole wheat flour, and honey, this bread is moist, flavorful, and guilt-free. You can even add some walnuts for some extra crunch.
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Eggless Christmas Pudding Cheesecake (How to Use Up...
Main Ingredients: Digestive Biscuits, Butter, Full Fat Cream Cheese
Looking for a unique dessert to serve with your beer can chicken? This eggless Christmas pudding cheesecake is sure to impress. Made with cream cheese, cranberries, and walnuts, this cheesecake has all the flavors of a traditional Christmas pudding but in a creamy and decadent form.
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Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Small Onions, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
Add some more Indian flavors to your meal with this delicious chicken korma recipe. Made with chicken and a creamy coconut milk sauce, this dish is rich, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with a beer can chicken. Serve it with some basmati rice for a complete meal.
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Cheese Naan
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Yeast, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt
Looking for a twist on traditional naan bread? This cheese naan recipe is a must-try. Made with mozzarella cheese and garlic, this bread is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Serve it warm for a gooey and delicious side dish.
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Chicken Empanada
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Brown Sugar
Switch up your beer can chicken dinner with these tasty chicken empanadas. Made with chicken, bell peppers, and onions, these hand-held pastries are a great way to add some variety to your meal. Serve them with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.
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Indian Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cumin Seed, Jalapeno, Yellow Onion
Add some veggies to your beer can chicken dinner with this flavorful Indian cabbage recipe. Made with cabbage, potatoes, and a blend of spices, this dish is a great way to add some more flavor and nutrition to your meal. Serve it as a side dish or mix it in with your chicken for a one-pot meal.
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English Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Baking Powder, Salt
For a more traditional take on Christmas pudding, try this English version. Made with currants, raisins, and brandy, this pudding is rich, moist, and full of holiday flavors. Serve it with a drizzle of brandy sauce for a truly indulgent experience.
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Easy Vegan Beetroot Falafel
Main Ingredients: Beetroots, Sweet Potato, Small Red Onion, Garlic, Fresh
Add some color and flavor to your meal with these easy vegan beetroot falafels. Made with beets, chickpeas, and coriander, these falafels are packed with nutrients and are a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.
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Avocado Hummus
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Medium Avocados, Tahini, Salt, Lemon Juice
Take your hummus to the next level with this avocado hummus recipe. Made with avocado, chickpeas, and lemon juice, this dip is creamy, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Serve it with some pita chips or veggies for a healthy and tasty snack.
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British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
For a more traditional British take on Christmas pudding, try this recipe. Made with raisins, dates, and whiskey, this pudding is rich, moist, and full of festive flavors. Serve it with a drizzle of whiskey sauce for a decadent dessert.
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Cauliflower Cake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Florets, Red Onion, Olive Oil, Rosemary
Looking for a unique and tasty side dish to serve with your beer can chicken? This cauliflower cake is sure to be a hit. Made with cauliflower, parmesan cheese, and eggs, this savory cake is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with the flavors of your chicken.
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Lebanese Cheese Fatayer
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Feta, Yogurt, Mozzarella, Parsley, Nutmeg
Add some international flavors to your meal with these tasty Lebanese cheese fatayers. Made with phyllo dough and a blend of cheeses, these pastries are a great way to add some variety to your meal. Serve them as an appetizer or as a side dish.
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Indian Potato Curry
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Oil, Garlic Paste, Red Chili Powder
Looking for a simple and delicious side dish to serve with your beer can chicken? This Indian potato curry is the perfect option. Made with potatoes, tomatoes, and a blend of fragrant spices, this dish is easy to make and pairs perfectly with the flavors of your chicken.
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Easy Naan Bread Without Yeast
Main Ingredients: Self Raising Flour, Salt, Nigella Seeds, Natural
No yeast? No problem! This easy naan bread recipe is perfect for those times when you want to make naan but don't have any yeast on hand. Made with flour, baking powder, and oil, this bread is quick, easy, and still packs all the flavors of traditional naan.
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Assorted Cheddar Crisps
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cheddar, Large Egg Yolk, All Purpose
If you're looking for a flavorful and easy appetizer to pair with your beer can chicken, these assorted cheddar crisps are the perfect choice. Made with a blend of different types of cheddar cheese, these crisps are crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-addicting. They're the perfect accompaniment to your main dish and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs
Step up your beer can chicken game with this delicious and festive Christmas pudding recipe. Made with a mix of dried fruits, spices, and a touch of brandy, this traditional British dessert is the perfect way to end your holiday meal. The rich and dense texture of the pudding pairs perfectly with the juicy and flavorful chicken, making for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
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Potato Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney (Samosas)
Main Ingredients: Jaggery, Tamarind Concentrate, Ground Cumin, Black
If you're in the mood for something a little different, try these potato dumplings with tangy tamarind chutney. These bite-sized samosas are filled with a flavorful potato filling and fried to crispy perfection. They make a great side dish for your beer can chicken and will add a touch of Indian-inspired flavor to your meal.
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Homemade Naan Bread
Main Ingredients: Naan, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
No meal is complete without some bread, and this homemade naan bread is the perfect addition to your beer can chicken feast. Soft, fluffy, and slightly charred, this bread is the perfect vessel for soaking up all the delicious juices from your chicken. Plus, making it from scratch will impress your guests and add a personal touch to your meal.
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Traditional Christmas Pudding (Figgy Pudding)
Main Ingredients: Dried Currants, Raisins, Golden Raisins, Candied Orange
Another traditional British Christmas dessert, figgy pudding is a rich and dense pudding filled with dried fruits and spices. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken and will add a touch of holiday cheer to your meal. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.
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Aloo Curry (Indian Potato Curry)
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Cooking Oil, Mustard Seeds, Cumin
For a hearty and flavorful side dish, try this Indian-inspired aloo curry. Made with potatoes, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, this curry is the perfect complement to your beer can chicken. The creamy and slightly spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy and tender chicken, making for a mouthwatering combination.
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Eggless Christmas Pudding Cheesecake (How to Use Up...
Main Ingredients: Digestive Biscuits, Butter, Full Fat Cream Cheese
If you have some leftover Christmas pudding, why not turn it into a delicious and decadent cheesecake? This recipe combines the rich and flavorful pudding with a creamy cheesecake filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust. It's a unique and delicious way to use up your leftovers and makes for a show-stopping dessert.
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Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Small Onions, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
For a more traditional Indian side dish, try this chicken korma. Made with tender chicken, a creamy and fragrant sauce, and a variety of spices, this dish is sure to be a hit. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the smoky and juicy flavors of the beer can chicken, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Fluffy Zucchini Bread
Main Ingredients: Zucchinis, Salt, Whole Wheat Flour, Instant Yeast
If you're looking for a healthier side dish to go with your beer can chicken, this fluffy zucchini bread is a great option. Made with grated zucchini, whole wheat flour, and a touch of honey, this bread is moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It's a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal and add a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory chicken.
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Cheese Naan
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Yeast, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt
Take your naan bread to the next level with this cheese naan recipe. Stuffed with a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this bread is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. It's the perfect side dish to go with your beer can chicken and will add a delicious and indulgent touch to your meal.
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Chicken Empanada
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Brown Sugar
For a fun and handheld side dish, try making these chicken empanadas to go with your beer can chicken. These flaky pastries are filled with a flavorful chicken and vegetable filling and are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. They're easy to make and are a great way to add some variety to your meal.
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Indian Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cumin Seed, Jalapeno, Yellow Onion
If you're looking for a lighter side dish, this Indian cabbage recipe is a great option. Made with shredded cabbage, cumin, and turmeric, this dish is simple yet flavorful. It's a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal and the earthy flavors pair well with the bold flavors of the beer can chicken.
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English Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Baking Powder, Salt
For a more traditional take on Christmas pudding, try this English version. Made with a mix of dried fruits, spices, and a touch of brandy, this pudding is rich, moist, and full of festive flavors. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken and will add a touch of holiday spirit to your meal.
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Easy Vegan Beetroot Falafel
Main Ingredients: Beetroots, Sweet Potato, Small Red Onion, Garlic, Fresh
If you're catering to vegan or vegetarian guests, these easy vegan beetroot falafels are a great side dish option. Made with chickpeas, beets, and a blend of spices, these falafels are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They're a great way to add some color and flavor to your meal and are a healthier alternative to traditional fried sides.
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Avocado Hummus
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Medium Avocados, Tahini, Salt, Lemon Juice
Add a creamy and tangy dip to your beer can chicken meal with this avocado hummus recipe. Made with ripe avocados, chickpeas, and a touch of lemon juice, this dip is smooth, flavorful, and packed with healthy fats. It's a great option for dipping your naan bread or vegetables and adds a refreshing element to your meal.
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British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
Another traditional British Christmas pudding, this version is made with a mix of dried fruits, spices, and a touch of rum. It's a slightly sweeter and boozier take on the classic and is sure to be a hit with your guests. The warm and cozy flavors of this pudding pair perfectly with the savory and smoky flavors of the beer can chicken.
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Cauliflower Cake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Florets, Red Onion, Olive Oil, Rosemary
For a unique and flavorful side dish, try making this cauliflower cake to go with your beer can chicken. Made with grated cauliflower, parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices, this savory cake is an unexpected but delicious addition to your meal. It's a great way to add some extra veggies to your plate and is sure to be a conversation starter at the dinner table.
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Indian Potato Curry
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Oil, Garlic Paste, Red Chili Powder
For a simple and delicious side dish, try this Indian-inspired potato curry. Made with potatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, this dish is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the beer can chicken. It's a great way to add some variety to your meal and is a great option for vegetarians or vegans.
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Lebanese Cheese Fatayer
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Feta, Yogurt, Mozzarella, Parsley, Nutmeg
If you're in the mood for something a little more indulgent, try making these Lebanese cheese fatayers to go with your beer can chicken. These pastries are filled with a mix of feta and mozzarella cheese and are baked until golden and crispy. They're the perfect combination of savory and cheesy and add a fun twist to your meal.
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Easy Naan Bread Without Yeast
Main Ingredients: Self Raising Flour, Salt, Nigella Seeds, Natural
If you don't have yeast on hand but still want to make naan bread to go with your beer can chicken, this recipe is for you. Made with self-rising flour, yogurt, and a touch of baking powder, this naan bread is soft, fluffy, and easy to make. It's a great option for those who are short on time or don't have yeast readily available.
The Secret Ingredient: Love
Nigella's Christmas pudding recipe is not just about the ingredients, it's about the love and care that goes into making it. This recipe has been passed down through generations in the Lawson family, and Nigella herself describes it as a "labor of love." The process of making this pudding is a long one, but it is also a meaningful one. From soaking the fruits in brandy to steaming the pudding for hours, every step requires patience and attention, making it the perfect dessert to make with your loved ones during the festive season.
Fruit, Fruit, and More Fruit
One of the key elements that sets Nigella's Christmas pudding apart from others is the abundance of fruit in the recipe. The pudding contains a wide variety of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and apricots, all of which are soaked in brandy for at least a day, if not longer. This not only adds to the rich and fruity flavor of the pudding but also ensures that it stays moist and doesn't dry out during the cooking process.
The Perfect Balance of Spices
No Christmas pudding is complete without a generous amount of warm spices, and Nigella's recipe gets the balance just right. The pudding contains a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves, giving it a beautiful depth of flavor. These spices also infuse the pudding with a warm and festive aroma, making it the perfect addition to your holiday table.
The Importance of Time
As mentioned earlier, Nigella's Christmas pudding is a labor of love, and one that requires time and patience. The pudding needs to be steamed for at least 6 hours, and some even prefer to steam it for up to 8 hours for an extra rich and moist pudding. While this may seem like a long time, the end result is worth it. The slow steaming process allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a pudding that is bursting with rich and decadent flavors.
In conclusion, Nigella Lawson's best Christmas pudding recipe is the perfect combination of love, fruit, spices, and time. It is a recipe that has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by generations. So, this holiday season, gather your loved ones, put on some Christmas music, and make this pudding together. Not only will you have a delicious dessert to enjoy, but you will also create memories that will last a lifetime.
