Very summery summer pudding

An average of 5.0 out of 5 stars from 2 ratings
Prepare
less than 30 mins
Cook
less than 10 mins
Serve
Serves 8–10

Pimm’s and mint upgrade this traditional pudding of bread soaked in a fruity, sweet syrup. Use frozen berries if you can’t find fresh.

Equipment: You will need a 2 litre pudding basin

Ingredients

  • 500g/1lb 2oz strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 500g/1lb 2oz raspberries
  • 175g/6oz caster sugar
  • 250ml/9fl oz Pimm’s
  • 1 large white sandwich loaf, crusts removed and cut into 16 slices then halved diagonally
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint

For the syrup

To serve

Method

  1. Put the berries, sugar and Pimm’s in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool. Strain the berries over a large bowl, reserve the syrup and set the berries aside.

  2. Brush one side of each bread piece with the syrup. Position 24 of the bread slices, syrup-side down, around the base and sides of the pudding basin, overlapping as you go. Set aside the remaining 8 slices of bread.

  3. Stir the mint through the reserved berry mixture and spoon into the basin. Arrange the reserved bread slices on top and cover with cling film. Place a small plate on top of the pudding, weigh down with tins or other weights, and refrigerate overnight.

  4. Place the remaining syrup, strawberries and redcurrant jelly in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened slightly. Allow to cool and refrigerate until needed.

  5. Turn the pudding on to a serving plate and brush with the syrup.

  6. To serve, cut the pudding into thick wedges and serve with the remaining syrup, the clotted cream, extra fresh berries and a sprig of mint, if using.