How to Make a Traditional British Jam Roly-Poly
Jam Roly-Poly is a beloved British dessert that takes many back to childhood, evoking memories of school dinners and cozy family meals. It’s a comforting, simple dish made from suet pastry and filled with fruity jam. The best part? It’s steamed to perfection, creating a soft, melt-in-the-mouth treat that pairs wonderfully with custard or cream. Here’s how you can make this traditional British classic in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
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For the Pastry:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 100g suet (vegetable or beef suet)
- Pinch of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
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For the Filling:
- 4 tablespoons fruit jam (typically raspberry or strawberry)
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For the Steaming:
- Butter (for greasing)
- A pinch of sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Equipment
- A large steamer or a saucepan with a lid
- A pudding basin (or an alternative like a heatproof bowl or cloth)
- Cling film or a clean tea towel
- A large piece of greaseproof paper or foil
Instructions
1. Make the Pastry
Begin by sifting the self-raising flour into a mixing bowl. Add the suet and a pinch of salt, then mix until well combined. Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too dry, add a splash more water.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few seconds to bring it together. Then roll it out into a rectangle, about 1cm thick.
2. Spread the Jam
Once the dough is rolled out, spread the jam evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Raspberry jam is the classic choice, but any fruit jam you enjoy will work well. Be generous, but make sure not to overfill, as too much jam can make the pastry soggy.
3. Roll Up the Pastry
Carefully roll up the dough like a Swiss roll, starting from one of the long edges. The roll should be tight enough to hold together but not so tight that the jam oozes out. Once you’ve rolled it up, pinch the ends of the pastry to seal them.
4. Prepare for Steaming
Butter a pudding basin or heatproof bowl and line it with greaseproof paper. You can also use a clean tea towel if you don’t have a bowl that’s suitable for steaming. If you’re using a cloth, dip it in flour to prevent it from sticking to the dough.
Place the jam roll into the basin, making sure it’s not too tightly packed. Cover the top with a piece of greaseproof paper or foil, securing it tightly around the rim of the basin with string or elastic bands. This will prevent water from getting into the pudding during steaming.
5. Steam the Roly-Poly
Place the pudding basin into a large steamer or a large saucepan with water. The water should come halfway up the sides of the pudding basin. Cover the steamer or pan with a lid. Bring the water to a simmer and steam the Jam Roly-Poly for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check the water level periodically and top it up with boiling water if necessary.
6. Serve the Jam Roly-Poly
Once the Roly-Poly is cooked, carefully remove it from the steamer. Let it cool for a few minutes before turning it out onto a plate. The jam inside will be wonderfully warm and gooey. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sugar on top for an extra sweet touch.
Serve the Jam Roly-Poly with lashings of hot custard or a dollop of double cream. It’s a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips for the Perfect Jam Roly-Poly
- Pastry consistency: The key to the perfect pastry is not overworking it. Keep it soft and don’t add too much water. If it’s too sticky, dust it lightly with flour.
- Jam: Raspberry or strawberry jam is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other flavors. Just avoid using chunky or runny jams, as these can affect the texture of the pastry.
- Steaming: Make sure the pudding is covered tightly to prevent any steam from escaping. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large saucepan with a lid, as long as the pudding basin fits comfortably inside.
- Cooking time: Ensure the pudding is steamed for at least 1.5 hours, as it needs time to cook through and become soft and fluffy.
Variations
- Spiced Jam Roly-Poly: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pastry to give it a warming, spiced flavor.
- Vegan Version: Replace suet with a plant-based suet alternative or chilled coconut oil. Use dairy-free custard to make the dessert completely vegan.
- Jam and Cream Roly-Poly: For a richer treat, add whipped cream or mascarpone inside the roll along with the jam.
Jam Roly-Poly is a simple yet delightful dessert that brings the nostalgic flavors of traditional British cooking into your home. Its sweet, jam-filled interior and soft, steamed pastry are perfect for a cozy family meal or to serve at a gathering. Enjoy!