Malva Pudding (Malvapoeding)

Literally translated as mallow pudding, this is a well-loved traditional South-African pudding. It it seriously sweet and seriously rich but oh-so-mouth-meltingly-delicious. I think every South-African has fond memories of malva pudding, either lovingly made by their ouma (grandmother), or on the poedingtafel (pudding table) alongside jelly and custard at the annual kerkbasaar (church fete).



I can't remember my own granny ever making this but I do have fond memories of eating it at church fetes, visiting my aunts and yes even at the university residences. (At least one thing they made exceptionally well!) Personally I think few desserts come close to this one. And I've still got a couple of bowlfuls worth waiting for me... Bliss!

Malva Pudding (Malvapoeding)

Adapted from Boerekos.com

Serves 8 - 10

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp butter, melted

1 egg

1tsp lemon juice

1tbsp apricot jam

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

1 cup milk

1 cup cakeflour

For the sauce:

1 cup lowfat evaporated milk

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup boiling water

1. Preheat oven to 180C.

2. Combine butter, sugar and egg.
3. Add lemon juice, apricot jam, baking soda and baking powder.
4. Add milk and flour bit by bit, stirring to ensure no lumps form.
5. Transfer to an ovenproof dish (about 27cm x 17cm) and bake for 45 minutes or until nicely risen and browned on top. The top should feel spungy.

6. Meanwhile, combine all the ingredients for the sauce and heat for 2 minutes in the microwave, stirring to ensure all the sugar has dissolved.

7. When pudding comes out of the oven, prick all over with a fork, then pour the sauce over evenly. It should be absorbed by the pudding very quickly. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes to caramelize and serve warm with custard or ice-cream.

Nutritional info (per serving): Calories 284.2 , Total fat 13.2 g, Saturated fat 8.1 g, Polyunsaturated fat 0.5 g, Monounsaturated fat 3.3 g, Cholesterol 58.5 mg, Sodium 325.9 mg, Potassium 104.2 mg, Total carbohydrate 38.1 g, Dietary fiber 0.0 g, Sugars 28.1 g, Protein 4.6 g