Nigella Self Saucing Chocolate Pudding

Name: Nigella Self Saucing Chocolate Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Not specified
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 60 grams butter or margarine; 170 grams caster sugar; 1 large egg; 140 grams cake flour; 30 millilitres cocoa powder; 15 millilitres baking powder; 2 millilitres salt; 200 millilitres milk; 250 millilitres water; 200 grams soft light brown sugar; 15 millilitres cocoa powder; 5 millilitres vanilla essence

Dive into the indulgent world of Nigella Lawson's self-saucing chocolate pudding, a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the magic of a sauce that forms beneath the cake layer as it bakes. This delightful treat is not only a testament to Lawson's prowess in creating mouth-watering desserts but also a perfect example of her ability to make gourmet baking accessible to home cooks.

Nigella Lawson's Self Saucing Chocolate Pudding: A Brief Overview

Nigella Lawson's self-saucing chocolate pudding is a sumptuous dessert that serves as a perfect end to any meal. It's a two-layer treat with a moist chocolate cake on top and a rich, gooey chocolate sauce hidden underneath. As it bakes, the magic happens, resulting in a dessert that's both cake and sauce in one dish.

Cultural and Historical Context

This dessert is a classic example of British comfort food, with a history that dates back to the early 20th century. It's part of the family of "puddings" that include both steamed and baked varieties, where the term "pudding" refers to a wide range of desserts in British cuisine.

Ingredients for the Self Saucing Chocolate Pudding

For the Cake:
- Butter or margarine: 60 grams
- Caster sugar: 170 grams
- A large egg
- Cake flour: 140 grams
- Cocoa powder: 30 millilitres
- Baking powder: 15 millilitres
- Salt: 2 millilitres
- Milk: 200 millilitres
For the Syrup:
- Water: 250 millilitres
- Soft light brown sugar: 200 grams
- Cocoa powder: 15 millilitres
- Vanilla essence: 5 millilitres

Preparation Instructions

The process involves creaming butter and sugar, adding an egg, and then alternately mixing in the dry ingredients and milk to create a smooth batter. This is poured into a greased ovenproof dish. A syrup made from brown sugar, water, cocoa powder, and vanilla essence is then prepared and poured over the batter. The pudding bakes in the oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes, resulting in a delicious cake with a self-forming chocolate sauce beneath it.

Storage and Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated in the microwave or oven. For the best experience, serve it warm to enjoy the gooey chocolate sauce.

Nutritional Information

While specific nutritional values depend on the ingredients used, this dessert is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. It's a treat meant for occasional indulgence rather than daily consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pudding in advance? Yes, but it's best served fresh. You can reheat it gently before serving.
Can I use plain flour instead of cake flour? Cake flour is recommended for a lighter texture, but you can use plain flour with a slight adjustment to the baking powder.
Is it possible to make a dairy-free version? Yes, substitute the milk and butter with dairy-free alternatives.

This chocolate self-saucing pudding recipe by Nigella Lawson is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a luxurious dessert that's sure to impress. Whether you're looking for a comforting treat or something special to end a dinner party, this pudding won't disappoint.

For more detailed instructions and tips, you can visit Nigella Lawson's official recipe page.