Cozy Comfort on a Plate: How to Make Delia Smith’s Iconic Jam Roly-Poly

The Jam Roly-Poly, a quintessential British dessert, epitomizes the joy of simple, comforting baking. This recipe, inspired by Delia Smith, showcases the delightful combination of suet pastry and sweet jam, all rolled into one delectable treat. Suet pastry, with its unique texture and flavor, forms the perfect base for the rich, fruity filling, making this dessert a timeless classic. What sets this version apart is its oven-steamed method, offering a modern twist to the traditional steaming process. It’s an approachable recipe that promises to deliver a taste of nostalgia and warmth, ideal for gatherings or a quiet afternoon treat. Join me in bringing this beloved classic to your kitchen, where we’ll transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

How To Make Delia Smith Jam Roly Poly Recipe Overview

For those unfamiliar, Jam Roly-Poly is a dessert that’s ‘steamed’ in the oven, a modern twist on the traditional method that simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the charm or flavor. This version is designed to serve around 6-8 people, perfect for a family gathering or a comforting weekend treat. From start to finish, including preparation and cooking, you’re looking at a total time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The result is a beautifully golden, jam-packed roll, with a soft, spongy texture that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.

Ingredients:

  • About 250g raspberry jam (or your preferred dark jam for a delightful contrast)
  • 250g self-raising flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 125g vegetarian suet
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract or zest of 1 orange
  • About 180ml milk
  • 1.5 tbsp caster sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan)/200°C (conventional)/gas mark 6. Lay out a large sheet of baking parchment and a similar-sized sheet of foil beneath it; lightly grease the parchment.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the self-raising flour and caster sugar. Stir in the suet, vanilla extract (or orange zest), and gradually add milk to form a soft, pliable dough.
  3. Roll and Spread: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1cm thick. Spread the jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent it from seeping out.
  4. Roll Up: From the long end, roll the dough up gently, then seal the edges. Wrap the roll in the parchment, then in the foil, ensuring it’s sealed but with room for expansion. Place on a baking tray.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. Remove and allow to cool slightly before unwrapping.
  6. Serve: Slice the Roly-Poly and serve warm, ideally with a side of custard or cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal

Fat: 15g (Saturated: 7g)

Carbohydrates: 50g (Sugars: 20g)

Protein: 5g

Sodium: 200mg

Also Read: Delia Smith Lemon Cheesecak

Serving Suggestions

Serving the Jam Roly-Poly brings forth an opportunity to elevate this classic dessert into a memorable culinary experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to accompany your sweet creation:

Classic Custard: A generous drizzle of warm, vanilla-scented custard not only complements the fruity sweetness of the jam but also adds a luxurious creaminess, making each bite irresistibly smooth.

Ice Cream: For a contrast in temperatures and textures, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your slice of Jam Roly-Poly. The cold creaminess of the ice cream melting into the warm, spongy pastry is a match made in heaven.

Fresh Berries: A scattering of fresh berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, can add a refreshing tartness and a pop of color, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a layer of flavor.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of softly whipped cream, perhaps with a hint of vanilla or almond extract, offers a light and airy complement to the dense, sweet roll.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant finish, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top of the Jam Roly-Poly adds a touch of sweetness and sophistication.

Hot Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, drizzling a rich, warm chocolate sauce over your slice can create a decadent dessert, perfect for those colder evenings.

Lemon Curd: A spoonful of tangy lemon curd on the side can cut through the sweetness of the jam, offering a citrusy contrast that refreshes the palate.

Each of these serving suggestions aims to enhance the flavors and textures of the Jam Roly-Poly, turning it into a versatile dessert that can cater to various tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer the classic custard pairing or decide to experiment with different accompaniments, the Jam Roly-Poly stands as a comforting canvas for your culinary creativity.

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam offers a delightful tartness that pairs beautifully with the suet pastry, feel free to explore with your jam preferences. Darker jams, such as blackcurrant, blueberry, or plum, not only provide a visually striking contrast but also add a depth of flavor that complements the rich, doughy exterior. Experimenting with various jams allows you to tailor the dessert to your taste, making each Roly-Poly uniquely delicious.

Is there a vegan alternative to suet?

Yes, for those looking to make a vegan-friendly version of this classic dessert, there are several plant-based suet alternatives available on the market. These substitutes are designed to mimic the texture and cooking properties of traditional suet without any animal products. Incorporating a vegan suet ensures that the pastry retains its characteristic lightness and moisture, making the dessert accessible to everyone without compromising on the traditional taste and texture of the Roly-Poly.

Can the Roly-Poly be made in advance?

Preparing the Roly-Poly ahead of time can be a great way to manage your dessert plans, especially for special occasions. You can assemble the dough and spread the jam, rolling it up to a day before you plan to bake it. Keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

How should leftovers be stored?

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Jam Roly-Poly even after the day it was made. Wrap any leftovers tightly in cling film or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warm. This ensures the pastry remains soft and the jam gooey, bringing back the freshly baked taste and texture.

Can I steam this in a traditional steamer?

For enthusiasts of the traditional steaming method, you’ll be pleased to know that this recipe can indeed be adapted for a steamer. Wrapping the Roly-Poly in a muslin cloth or suitable alternative and placing it in a steamer for approximately 2 hours will yield a moist, evenly cooked dessert. Steaming in this manner is a nod to the classic preparation techniques, offering an even softer texture and a deeply comforting taste, reminiscent of the dessert’s rich history.

Conclusion

The Jam Roly-Poly, with its humble ingredients and straightforward preparation, is a testament to the comfort and joy that traditional desserts can bring to our modern lives. Whether you’re reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, this dish is a warm, welcoming embrace on a plate. Enjoy the process, and savor each sweet, steamy slice.

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