Yorkshire puddings, those delightful golden puffs, hold a special place in the hearts of hungry Britons. Whether enjoyed on their own or as a star alongside a roast dinner, these savory delights are a culinary staple. While recipes for this British classic abound, chef Rick Stein discovered that simplicity reigns supreme when it comes to achieving the perfect Yorkshire pudding.
During an episode of his BBC show, Rick Stein’s Food Stories, the renowned chef traveled to the Star Inn, a Michelin-starred pub nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors. There, he encountered Chef Patron Andrew Pern, who shared his secrets for making the best Yorkshire puddings. Rick, impressed by the simplicity of the recipe, remarked, “Here I am about to watch the perfect Yorkshire pudding being made.”
Andrew’s recipe is refreshingly straightforward, prioritizing a light and airy batter. He recommends using equal quantities of flour, eggs, and full-fat milk, emphasizing that “it’s not rocket science.”
Here’s the recipe breakdown:
Ingredients:
* 4 large eggs (approx. 170g/6oz)
* Plain flour (170g/6oz)
* Full-fat milk (175ml)
Method:
Making Yorkshire puddings is surprisingly easy, even for novice cooks. First, heat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and fill a 12-hole Yorkshire pudding tin with beef dripping. Rick emphasizes, “It’s crucial to get your fat sizzling!”
For the batter, Andrew suggests using a stick blender, if available, to quickly incorporate air. Simply add all ingredients to a bowl and blend until the batter is light and fluffy. Andrew highlights the “beauty of a handheld blender,” its ability to create an airy mixture that’s key to achieving those impressive, puffy Yorkshire puddings.
Once the dripping in your tin is sizzling, gently pour equal quantities of the batter into each hole. Return the tin to the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes.
Serve your Yorkshire puddings hot from the oven, however you choose. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for one to two days.
With this simple recipe from a Michelin-starred chef, you can easily impress your friends and family with perfect Yorkshire puddings. Now, go forth and create culinary magic!
