Black Pudding

About

Good black pudding has a velvety texture and a rich, mellow sweetness comparable to foie gras. Regional versions, including British black pudding, French boudin noir, Spanish or Argentine morcilla, Italian sanguinaccio, German Rotwurst, and Eastern European kishka, are all made with fresh blood, usually from pigs though lamb's blood is also used, with recipes varying by region and maker. Thickeners include oats, barley, diced fat, rice, pine nuts, chestnuts, almonds, and cream, sometimes combined, and the mixture may also include meat or offal before being seasoned, stuffed into casings, and poached. Black pudding pairs well with autumnal flavors like apple and sweet root vegetables, and works well as a seasoning that enhances meat dishes.

Pairs well with black pudding

• EaPotatoIn Ireland, black pudding is served with potato pancakes or champ (mashed potato with scallions).
• SuEggBlack pudding is now used in upscale cooking alongside ingredients like scallops.
• FrAppleA tangy apple that holds its shape when cooked balances the rich spiciness of black pudding well.
• RoChocolateThe Italian black pudding sanguinaccio combines chocolate, cream and blood, often further flavored with sugar, candied fruit, cinnamon or…
• BeMintThe Spanish dish habas con morcilla pairs fava beans with black pudding (morcilla); fresh mint's bright, cooling character complements…
• MePorkThe Asturian stew fabada combines large dried white beans (fabes, or butter/lima beans as a substitute) with morcilla (black pudding),…
• BrBaconBeyond their role in a fry-up breakfast, bacon and black pudding also work well together in salads and pilafs, or combined with pork in…
• MeLambA boned loin of lamb can be rolled around a black pudding, tied and roasted at 350°F for about an hour; the same method works with pork.
• SuOnionBlack pudding, potato and leek can be combined into fried patties: mashed potato is mixed with softened leek, mustard powder, white pepper…
• FrRhubarbRhubarb's tartness, like apple's, can cut through the richness of black pudding, as in a quick rhubarb chutney.
• MeLiverGrilled black pudding with foie gras-the foie gras sandwiched between two slices of black pudding, topped with caramelized apple and…