Roast beef & Yorkshire puddings | Jamie Oliver recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why aren t my Yorkshire puddings crispy? ›

The general rule of thumb is that substituting some, or even half of the milk in your recipe for water will make your puddings lighter and crispier, so try this modification if your puds are too dense or soft. The amount of eggs that you use matters, too – use an equal amount of flour, eggs and milk or water.

Bacon fat: Save some of the grease from your morning bacon for smoky, salty Yorkshire puddings. Butter: While butter undoubtedly makes scrumptious popovers, it also burns easily, so we recommend using a combination of melted unsalted butter and oil instead.

Resting the batter overnight is key for developing better flavor. Forget about cold batter: letting it rest at room temperature helps it rise taller as it bakes. A combination of milk and water gives the Yorkshire puddings extra rise and crispness.

There is a secret to every Yorkshire pudding recipe when it comes to getting Yorkshire puddings to rise properly. In fact there are two. The first is to let the batter rest once you've mixed and the second is to heat your tin and beef dripping so it's piping hot when you do pour the batter in.

Use a fat that will get hot enough to puff up the yorkies. Olive oil isn't the best choice, but sunflower or vegetable oil reach a higher temperature, which is essential for achieving the maximum reaction when the batter is added.

If possible, avoid using a convection oven, as the forced air in a fan oven can sometimes be too strong and cause the puddings to collapse. If you have a setting that allows you to switch from convection to a regular oven, be sure to make the switch.

Resting the batter really does result in better-risen Yorkshire puddings with an airier texture (rather than chewy). About an hour is sufficient to allow the starch molecules to swell, giving a thicker consistency, and for the gluten to relax.

Yes, the batter should be runny, about the consistency of heavy cream. Here is my very quick, easy and amazing cheap recipe together with some important points which will make sure the puddings are a success.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Put 1 teaspoon of the oil (or beef drippings) into each section of a 12-hole Yorkshire pudding tray or muffin tray and put into the oven on the top shelf until very hot, almost smoking.

History. The popover is an American version of Yorkshire pudding and similar batter puddings made in England since the 17th century, The oldest known reference to popovers dates to 1850. The first cookbook to print a recipe for popovers was in 1876.

Why is Yorkshire pudding served with roast beef? ›

Because the rich gravy from the roast meat drippings was used with the first course, the main meat and vegetable course was often served with a parsley or white sauce. In poorer households, the pudding was often served as the only course.

The oven isn't getting hot enough (needs to maintain a 220C/425F temperature). Your oven loses heat too quickly when you open the oven door and/or you leave the oven door open for too long whilst you're filling up the Yorkshire pudding tins with batter. Too much batter or not enough fat in the tin.

Use a fat that will get hot enough to puff up the yorkies. Olive oil isn't the best choice, but sunflower or vegetable oil reach a higher temperature, which is essential for achieving the maximum reaction when the batter is added.

Be sure to close the oven door slowly so you don't force all the hot air out. Oh, and don't open the door to check on progress – the cold air will make your puds sag. Keep an eye on your creations through the glass door of the oven. When they rise and look golden-brown and crisp on top, they're done.

Another top tip from Adam: to avoid soggy bottoms, try flipping your Yorkshire puddings two-or-three minutes before the end of cooking time. It will dry the bottoms out and ensure you get a nice, even crunch. But remember to flip them carefully, using a utensil; they'll be boiling hot!