Prepare to embark on a tantalizing culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a gourmet paradise! Nigel Slater's Wild Garlic Cheese Pudding is not just a recipe—it's an experience that marries the pungent, earthy notes of wild garlic with the creamy, luxurious embrace of melted cheese. Imagine a dish so delightful that it straddles the line between comfort food and haute cuisine, promising to elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this recipe will unlock a world of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g wild garlic, chopped
- 150g cheese, grated
- 4 eggs
- 300ml milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Wash the wild garlic thoroughly under cold running water, then pat dry with clean kitchen towels. Roughly chop the wild garlic leaves into small, uniform pieces.
- Grate the cheese using a box grater or food processor, selecting a sharp cheddar or gruyère for maximum flavor complexity.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth and well-combined. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, creating a uniform custard base.
- Add the chopped wild garlic and grated cheese to the egg mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared buttered baking dish, ensuring an even distribution of wild garlic and cheese throughout.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set with a slight wobble in the center.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the pudding set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve warm as a light lunch or side dish, garnishing with additional fresh wild garlic leaves if desired.
Tips
- Wild Garlic Selection: Choose fresh, vibrant wild garlic leaves with a bright green color and no signs of wilting. The fresher the garlic, the more intense the flavor.
- Cheese Matters: Opt for a sharp cheddar or gruyère to add depth and complexity to your pudding. Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavor profiles.
- Greasing Technique: Use softened butter and ensure complete coverage of your baking dish to prevent sticking and achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Whisking Wisdom: When combining eggs and milk, whisk thoroughly to create a smooth, uniform custard base that will ensure a silky texture.
- Oven Positioning: Place the baking dish in the center of the oven for even heat distribution and consistent cooking.
- Doneness Check: Look for a golden-brown top and a slight wobble in the center—this indicates a perfectly cooked pudding.
- Resting is Key: Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes portioning easier.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh wild garlic leaves or a sprinkle of extra cheese for an elegant presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 220mg
