Pressure Cooker Ultimate Christmas Pudding

Our answer

Nigella's recipe for Ultimate Christmas Pudding (from NIGELLA CHRISTMAS) steams a 1.7 litre (UK 3-pint/1½ quart) pudding for 5 hours initally and then 3 hours to reheat on Christmas Day. We understand that it is possible to cook Christmas puddings in a pressure cooker but the cooking time will depend on your model and the pressure used. Some pressure cookers are automatic and some are manual, so we suggest following the instructions that come with your pressure cooker. Check that the pudding is cooked by inserting a cake tester into the centre. If it comes out clean then the pudding is cooked. If the pudding is not cooked in the centre then cook for a further 10 minutes and check again.

However, it is important that you steam the pudding in the normal way for an initial 25-30 minutes before cooking with pressure. This initial steaming helps to start the cooking process and leads to a pudding with a better texture and lighter crumb. You can just bring the water in the pot to a boil, reduce to a simmer and add the pudding, then put the lid on without any pressure and cook for 25-30 minutes. After that, check the water level before cooking under pressure. We understand that puddings can be reheated in most pressure cookers in around 30 minutes. However, as we have not tried this method of cooking ourselves we are unable to guarantee the results. Stir-Up Sunday this year is on Sunday 21st November 2021.