Clootie Dumpling Recipe: A Traditional Scottish Delight

When it comes to traditional Scottish cuisine, clootie dumpling is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations. This dense, sweet pudding is made with suet, dried fruit, and spices, and is traditionally boiled in a cloth (or "clootie"). In this article, we will be sharing a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dessert at home.

Ingredients:

Here are the ingredients you will need to make a clootie dumpling:

• 225g self-raising flour
• 225g suet
• 110g caster sugar
• 110g sultanas
• 110g currants
• 50g candied peel
• 2 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg
• Milk
• Cloth (or "clootie")

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cloth

The first step in making clootie dumpling is to prepare the cloth. You will need a clean, white cloth (preferably cotton or linen) that has been boiled in water to sterilize it. Once the cloth is dry, rub it with a little flour to prevent the dumpling from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, suet, caster sugar, sultanas, currants, candied peel, mixed spice, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Milk

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add enough milk to make it up to 300ml. Gradually pour the egg and milk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring constantly until you have a thick, sticky batter.

Step 4: Boil the Dumpling

Spoon the batter into the prepared cloth, leaving enough room for the dumpling to expand as it cooks. Tie the cloth tightly with string, leaving a long tail that you can use to lift the dumpling out of the pot. Place the dumpling in a large pot of boiling water and boil for 3-4 hours, making sure to top up the water as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the dumpling is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes before untying the cloth. Serve the clootie dumpling warm, sliced into thick wedges, with custard or cream.

Nutrition:

Here is the nutritional information for a serving of clootie dumpling (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 559
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 74g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 78mg
• Sodium: 94mg
• Potassium: 348mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 39g
• Vitamin A: 556IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 81mg
• Iron: 2mg

While clootie dumpling is certainly not a low-calorie or low-fat dessert, it is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Plus, with its hearty blend of fruits and spices, it's the perfect comfort food for a cold winter's evening.

So why not give this traditional Scottish recipe a try and see if it becomes a new favorite in your household?