Recipe: Easy Jam Roly Poly from Home
We share with you our recipe for a Jam Roly Poly, Britain's most nostalgic dessert.
In the world of puddings, very few can conjure up nostalgia and comfort quite like a warm slice of Jam Roly Poly. With its origins dating back to 19th century Britain, this steamed dessert has been warming hearts and satisfying sweet cravings for generations in the UK.
The name "roly-poly" perfectly describes the puddings's preparation and shape. The dough is spread with jam and then rolled up, like a Swiss roll, creating a cylindrical shape. Other historical names for the pudding include shirt-sleeve pudding, dead man's arm or dead man's leg... none of which sound quite as appetising!
In this blog post, we'll provide you with a delightful Jam Roly Poly recipe that remind you of school lunches and family dinners of years gone by.
Ingredients
• 1 cup or 120g self-raising flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup or 60g suet (or butter)
• Cold water
• 1/2 cup or 160g fruit jam (such as raspberry or strawberry)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
Method
- In a bowl, mix flour and a pinch of salt. Add suet or butter and rub it into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, just a bit at a time, and mix until you have a soft dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface, into a rectangular shape.
- Spread the jam evenly over the dough and sprinkle with a pinch of sugar.
- Roll up the dough tightly from one end to form a log, making sure to seal the edges.
- Place the rolled log onto a sheet of parchment paper, then wrap it tightly in the paper, twisting the ends.
- Steam the wrapped log in a steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Check the water level in the pot occasionally, to ensure it doesn't dry out.
- Once steamed, carefully unwrap the Jam Roly Poly and slice it into rounds.
- Serve warm slices with custard, cream, or ice cream. It's just like being back at school!
The traditional Jam Roly Poly delivers a taste of nostalgia and a comforting indulgence with each and every bite. This classic British dessert combines simple ingredients to create a charming treat that's sure to satisfy both young and old family members. Let us know if you give it a try!
