Pudding is often sweet but various puddings are not sweet like black pudding, Yorkshire pudding, Suet pudding, and more.
These puddings are savory pudding which gives you a unique texure and flavor of pudding in savory form.
In this article, we will talk about puddings that are not sweet, How to make these puddings and what is special about them.
Are all puddings sweet?
No, all puddings are not sweet. When we think of puddings, we often imagine sweet and dessert-like treats. The word pudding in cooking includes a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory.
Puddings can be more than just sweet desserts, they come in many forms, like creamy rice puddings or unexpected savory ones made with bread or meat. This means that the term “pudding” isn’t limited to sweet treats and can include a wide range of delicious options.
In British cooking, there’s black pudding, a savory sausage made from blood, and Yorkshire pudding, a batter dish usually served with roast meat. Yorkshire pudding takes on a different savory form, being a batter pudding typically served alongside roast meat.
Puddings That Are Not Sweet
No, not all puddings are sweet. Primarily term pudding refers to a sweet dish made with sugar and flavored with various ingredients but in some English-speaking cultures, pudding also refers to savory dishes.
Sweet Puddings
These are the most common and widely known puddings like chocolate pudding, rice pudding, bread pudding, and custard pudding. They are typically sweetened with sugar and flavored with various ingredients like chocolate, vanilla, fruits, or spices.
Savory Puddings
Savory puddings are not widely known but In British culture, pudding is also known as savory dishes.
Black Pudding
Black pudding is a traditional British pudding made with blood sausage, pork blood, and other ingredients. It is a savory dish that is often served as an English breakfast. Known for its rich and robust flavor, black pudding is often made from a combination of pork blood, fat, and a mixture of grains or breadcrumbs.
One of the defining characteristics of black pudding is its dark color, which results from the inclusion of blood in the mixture. This ingredient not only gives the sausage its distinct appearance but also contributes to its earthy and intense flavor profile. It is seasoned with pepper, nutmeg, and herbs which enhance the taste and provide a savory and complex experience for the palate.
Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire Pudding is a classic British dish that has become a beloved companion to traditional Sunday roasts. Yorkshire Pudding is a savory side dish made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk. Its origins date back to the 18th century in Northern England, particularly in Yorkshire, hence its name.
While traditionally served with roast beef, Yorkshire Pudding has found its way onto tables alongside various other roasted meats, such as lamb or chicken. It has also become a popular addition to festive holiday meals and is cherished for its versatility as a side dish.
Beyond its humble beginnings, Yorkshire Pudding has become a symbol of British culinary heritage. Its crispy, golden exterior, and airy texture make it a delightful accompaniment to a hearty meal.
Suet Puddings
Suet puddings can be savory too, with recipes including meats, veggies, and seasonings. The suet adds a special flavor and helps make a tender crust. One popular savory pudding is steak and kidney pudding, a hearty dish with juicy meats in a suet crust.
Traditionally, suet puddings were steamed, not baked, making them moist and flavorful. Slow cooking lets the flavors blend, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
While not as common today, suet puddings still have a special place for those who love the nostalgia and tradition of this classic British dish.
Haggis
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that holds a unique and controversial place in culinary history.
At its core, haggis is a savory pudding made from a mixture of sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, minced with onions, suet, oatmeal, spices, and seasonings. This mixture is then traditionally encased in the stomach lining of the sheep, creating a robust and flavorful dish with a crumbly texture.
While the ingredients might raise some eyebrows, haggis enthusiasts appreciate its rich, earthy taste and the way it reflects the resourceful nature of traditional Scottish cuisine.
The dish has a long and storied history, with roots dating back centuries. Haggis was originally a way to utilize all parts of the sheep and extend the life of the meat. Over time, it evolved into a symbol of Scottish identity, celebrated not just for its taste but also for the cultural significance it carries.
Is All Pudding Considered Desserts
While many people commonly associate pudding with sweet, creamy desserts like chocolate or vanilla pudding, there are also savory variations that serve as main courses in certain cuisines.
Pudding can mean different things in food. In Britain, it’s a blood sausage, and in Asia, it’s a savory rice dish.
So, while puddings can be sweet desserts, they can also be a variety of other tasty foods that aren’t always sweet.
What Are Sweet Puddings
Sweet puddings are delicious and diverse desserts that come in various forms, textures, and flavors. They are enjoyed worldwide and have a rich culinary history.
Custard Pudding
This classic pudding is made with a mixture of milk, sugar, and eggs. It’s often flavored with vanilla and can be baked or steamed. Once set, it forms a smooth and creamy texture. Caramel sauce is sometimes added to create a sweet, golden layer at the bottom.
Rice Pudding
Made with rice, milk, and sugar, and often flavored with cinnamon or nutmeg, rice pudding is a comforting and hearty dessert. It can be served warm or chilled, and the rice grains absorb the creamy liquid during the cooking process.
Bread Pudding
A thrifty and delicious dessert, bread pudding is typically made by layering bread cubes with a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. It’s then baked until the custard sets and the top becomes golden brown. Ingredients like raisins or chocolate chips are often added for extra flavor.
Chocolate Pudding
Rich and velvety, chocolate pudding is a favorite among chocolate lovers. It’s made with cocoa powder or melted chocolate, combined with milk, sugar, and sometimes eggs. The result is a smooth, indulgent dessert that can be served warm or chilled.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Originating from Britain, sticky toffee pudding is a moist and dense cake made with dates and covered in a toffee sauce. Despite its name, it’s more of a cake than a traditional pudding and is often served with vanilla ice cream or custard.
Chia Seed Pudding
A modern and healthier twist, chia seed pudding is made by soaking chia seeds in liquid (such as milk or a milk alternative) and sweetening them with honey or other sweeteners. As the chia seeds absorb the liquid, they create a pudding-like consistency. It’s often topped with fruits or nuts.
