Heating Christmas Pudding in a Microwave

Asked by MONKIE. Answered on 21st November 2015

Full question

Is it possible to reheat the Christmas Pudding on Christmas Day in the Microwave (ie once it has been steamed in the initial cooking process)?

Hello, I am planning on making Nigella's Ultimate Christmas Pudding (the 3 pint one) this year. If I make in advance and steam for 5 hours and cool then how long do I need to microwave for on Christmas Day? Many thanks, Catherine

Our answer

It is possible to heat Nigella's Ultimate Christmas Pudding (from Christmas and on the NIgella website) in a microwave on Christmas day, providing the pudding has been made in a plastic or pyrex basin, or a similar microwave-proof basin or bowl. However we suggest that in the initial cooking you steam the pudding for the full 8 hours as the longer steaming time is important for the flavour and colour of the pudding.

Before rehating remove any foil wrapping and either loosen the lid or loosely cover the top of the basin with clingfilm (plastic wrap) and make a couple of vent holes in the clingfilm.

Unfortunately we can only give rough guidelines but for heating the 3-pint pudding in an 800W oven microwave on full power for 4 minutes, stand for 3 minutes, microwave on low for 7 minutes then stand for a further 5 minutes. Check the pudding is piping hot in the centre before turning it out of the basin. If it is not hot enough then microwave in bursts on full power for 1 minute and standing for 1 minute until properly heated.

Stir-Up Sunday is on Sunday 22nd November 2015.