Nigella Plum Crumble

Name: Mary Berry's Pork Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 500g pork shoulder, finely chopped; 250g streaky bacon, finely chopped; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground mace; 1 tsp ground white pepper; 2 tsp salt; 250ml pork or chicken stock; 1 egg, beaten (for glazing); 500g plain flour; 200g lard; 200ml water

Dive into the warmth and comfort of Nigella Lawson's Plum Crumble, a delightful dessert that brings a touch of sweetness and spice to any table. This recipe, a gem from the culinary treasure trove of Nigella Lawson, celebrates the lush, tangy flavor of plums, wrapped in a rich, buttery crumble.

Nigella Lawson's Plum Crumble: A Culinary Delight

Plum Crumble, as crafted by the renowned Nigella Lawson, is not just any dessert. It's a perfect blend of juicy plums and a crumbly, buttery topping, with a hint of ginger for an unexpected zing. This dish is a testament to Nigella's ability to turn simple ingredients into a comforting, luxurious dessert.

Cultural or Historical Context

Plum Crumble is deeply rooted in British cuisine, where crumbles have been a staple dessert since World War II, offering a simpler alternative to pies due to rationing. Nigella Lawson, with her knack for elevating classic dishes, brings this traditional dessert into the modern era with her unique twist.

Ingredients for the Plum Crumble

Plums: 800 grams, halved and stoned
Crystallised ginger: 2 tablespoons, chopped (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger as a substitute)
Butter: 125 grams, softened
Brown sugar: 100 grams, plus an additional 2 tablespoons
Rolled oats: 60 grams
Flour: 120 grams
Vanilla essence: 1 teaspoon
Pine nuts or flaked almonds: 188 millilitres for a nutty crunch

Preparation Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C, setting the stage for the magic to happen.
Prepare the plums by halving and stoning them, then lay them cut side down in a buttered dish, sprinkled with ginger.
Mix the crumble by blending the softened butter, brown sugar, oats, flour, and vanilla essence until you achieve a clumpy texture. Carefully spread this mixture over the plums.
Bake to perfection for about 35 minutes, until you see the crumble bubbling. Add an extra sprinkle of sugar and your choice of nuts, then bake for another 15 minutes for that golden finish.
Serving suggestion: This crumble is best enjoyed warm, with a dollop of custard or a scoop of ice cream, offering a contrast of temperatures and textures that's truly irresistible.

Storage and Reheating

Plum Crumble can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply warm it in the oven at 180°C until it's heated through, ensuring that it retains its delightful crunch and warmth.

Nutritional Information

While the exact nutritional values can vary, this crumble is rich in carbohydrates from the sugar and flour, fats from the butter and nuts, and a modest amount of protein. It's a dessert meant for occasional indulgence rather than daily consumption.

FAQ about the Plum Crumble

Can I use other fruits? Yes, this crumble recipe is versatile. Feel free to substitute plums with apples or berries, adjusting the baking time as necessary.
Is it possible to make it gluten-free? Absolutely. Simply replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Nigella Lawson's Plum Crumble is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of baking. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, it's guaranteed to bring smiles and warmth to your table.

Remember, this delightful recipe is a creation of Nigella Lawson, a testament to her culinary expertise and creativity in bringing simple, comforting dishes to life.

For a more detailed exploration into this recipe, you can visit Nigella Lawson's official recipe collectionor other recipe aggregators that feature her work.