What is Yorkshire Pudding?

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Despite the name, Yorkshire pudding is not a dessert, nor does it necessarily have the consistency of one. It is in fact a sort of baked bread dumpling, regarded by many as an essential accompaniment to roast meat, especially beef but also with lamb or pork.

Yorkshire pudding. Image by Shutterbug26 at Pixabay.

It is typically made using flour, milk, and egg, baked in the flavour-filled drippings from the roasted meat.

There are regional variations but the preference in Yorkshire, where they originated, is a for a light and fluffy consistency.

The first written record of Yorkshire pudding occurred in 18^th century cookbooks. It used to be baked over an open fireplace, then cut into squares and served hot. Slathering the puddings in gravy added flavour, making it a warm, comforting meal.

You can eat this side dish along with many different meals and it’s especially good during the colder, winter months. While eating it alongside Sunday roast is traditional, it will go just as nicely with say, grilled fish and salads.

Why not get out your muffin tray, egg, flour and milk and make your own at home this year? Serve it warm and enjoy it with friends or family – or both!

Vocabulary

Accompaniment

(noun)

Meaning: A food or drink served alongside a main dish.

Example: 'Coffee is always a good accompaniment to breakfast.'

Consistency

(noun)

Meaning: The thickness or 'feel' of a substance.

Example: 'Add more flour if the pancake batter doesn't have the right consistency.'

Drippings

(noun)

Meaning: The fat and juice that meat produces while it is cooked.

Example: 'We use the drippings to make gravy most times.'

Regional

(adjective)

Meaning: Relating to a specific part of a country.

Example: 'The many regional accents add beauty to this rich language.'

Slathering

(verb)

Meaning: Covering something thickly with a sauce, gravy or butter.

Example: 'She slathered butter on the hot toast.'