After being guests of some English friends of ours, who allowed us to try some of their national food heritage, we had the chance to discover a fabulous – to say the very least - dessert: it’s called Eve's Pudding, made by none other than our friend Bill. The recipe for this dessert has been borrowed from a book by the famous British chef Jamie Oliver, and when faced with the result we couldn’t help but savour and appreciate - not without some greediness - this inventive pudding from the world of desserts. We therefore decided to make this delicacy available to our readers too: a pudding with a base of mixed fruit cooked in butter and spices, coated with a batter not unlike that for sponge cake, and then baked. Serve with a spoon of cold, fat-free yogurt: the result is outstanding!
* approximate values per serving
Start by pre-heating the oven to 180°C. Put the butter and brown sugar with all the spices in a saucepan. Add the peeled fruit cut into large chunks. Cover the pan and cook over a low heat for half an hour. Meanwhile beat the remaining butter with the sugar. Add the eggs one at a time with the flour. Then add the baking powder. Grease an oven dish, then transfer the stewed fruit to the bottom of the dish without its sauce. Spoon the prepared batter over the fruit. Bake at 180°C for 40 minutes. After cooking, serve the pudding with the hot fruit sauce and fresh cream, a bit of yoghurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Melt the butter in a saucepan with the spices
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Add the peeled and thickly sliced fruit; leave to cook for half an hour
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Separately, beat the butter with the sugar
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Add the eggs and the flour
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Grease an oven dish
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Put the cooked fruit in the dish, without its juices
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Cover the fruit with the batter. Bake at 180°C for 40 minutes
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Eve’s pudding is ready! Serve with some of the hot fruit cooking juices, and a spoonful of yoghurt or vanilla ice cream
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One of the most delicious variations of Eva's Pudding is the one prepared with apples and a selection of aromatic spices. The sweet and juicy apples blend perfectly with the butter and brown sugar, creating a rich and enveloping flavor. The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla further enriches the dish, making it perfect for a dessert to serve on special occasions. To prepare this variation, simply follow the basic recipe, ensuring to choose quality apples, which will give an intense flavor and a soft texture. This pudding is ideal to enjoy warm, perhaps accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream, for a contrast of temperatures and textures that will delight everyone.
Eva's Pudding has roots in the United Kingdom, and its traditional preparation can vary depending on the seasonal fruit available. Using fresh ingredients, such as peaches, pears, or plums, one can create a dessert that best expresses the flavors of the moment. The fruit is cooked together with butter and brown sugar, allowing the aromas to blend and develop. This regional variation not only makes the pudding more versatile, but also offers the opportunity to vary the flavor and texture of the dish. Served warm, the pudding becomes the perfect comfort food, ideal for cold winter evenings or for a delicious snack in the summer when the fruit is at its peak.
For those looking for a lighter version of Eva's Pudding, it is possible to replace the brown sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. This light variation maintains the original flavor of the pudding while reducing calories and refined sugar content. Additionally, one can opt for whole grain or gluten-free flour, making the dessert even healthier and suitable for various dietary needs. Fresh fruit remains the main ingredient, providing essential fiber and vitamins. With these modifications, the pudding becomes a perfect option even for those following a balanced diet, without sacrificing the pleasure of a delicious and satisfying dessert.
Eva's Pudding, thanks to the presence of fruit like apples, offers numerous health benefits. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which help keep the immune system strong and improve digestion. Additionally, the use of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg not only enriches the flavor of the dessert but also provides anti-inflammatory properties. On average, a serving of Eva's Pudding prepared according to the traditional recipe contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By opting for lighter variations, such as those with natural sweeteners, it is possible to further reduce the caloric intake, making this dessert more suitable for a healthy and balanced diet.
The answer is yes, Eva's Pudding can be successfully frozen. To do so, it is advisable to let it cool completely before portioning it and storing it in freezer-safe containers. It is important to wrap the pudding well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing unpleasant odors. Once frozen, the pudding can be stored for up to two months. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours and reheat it in the oven or microwave. This way, you will always have a delicious dessert ready to go, perfect for any occasion or to satisfy a sudden craving for sweetness.