Can You Cook Jam Roly-Poly in a Microwave?
Master the art of microwaving Jam Roly-Poly with our expert tips! Enjoy a homemade dessert in minutes with this convenient method.
Have you ever craved a comforting, nostalgic dessert, but been put off by the long baking process? What if I told you that you could whip up a deliciously warm and gooey jam roly-poly in just a fraction of the time using your microwave? Yes, you read that right. This very British treat is usually baked in an oven. But, it can be made into a quick and easy microwave delight.
Join me on a culinary adventure as we explore cooking jam roly-poly in a microwave. This method breaks tradition to achieve culinary bliss in minutes, not hours. Get ready to indulge your taste buds and revolutionize your dessert game with this intriguing twist on a classic recipe.
What Is Jam Roly-Poly?
It was initially called roly-poly pudding. Jam roly-poly is a traditional British pudding. It is also known as shirt-sleeve pudding, dead man’s arm, or dead man’s leg.
Similar in appearance to a Swiss roll, jam roly-poly is made from a flat-rolled suet pudding that has jam spread over it and is then neatly curled up.
Where Is Jam Roly-Poly From?
Jam roly-poly was invented in nineteenth-century Britain, a period when puddings were in style. At first, jam roly-poly, like all other puddings, was meant to be savory, not sweet, like today’s puddings.
In 1845, British food author and poet Eliza Acton published a recipe for suet pudding. It could be made with jam, marmalade, or mincemeat. Another author, Isabella Beeton, suggested jam fifteen years later and noted that fresh fruit wasn’t always easy to come by.
In time, the recipe became popular and widely available, and it even became the protagonist of a children’s book called “The roly-poly pudding.”
Can You Cook Jam Roly-Poly in a Microwave?
No, thus far, you cannot cook jam roly-poly in a microwave. Jam roly-poly is a cooked suet pudding, which means it must be either boiled, steamed, or otherwise baked, in order to be cooked.
You can reheat store-bought or old jam roly-poly in the microwave. Then, you can serve it with custard, cream, and other toppings. But, making the pudding requires steaming, baking, or boiling.
Traditional Cooking Methods of Jam Roly-Poly
Traditional Jam Roly-Poly is made by making a suet pastry. The pastry is a mix of self-raising flour, suet, sugar, and milk. The dough is rolled out into a rectangle and then spread with a generous layer of jam. The dough is then rolled up into a log-like shape, sealing the edges. The roll is wrapped in a piece of parchment paper or muslin cloth. It is twisted at the ends to seal. Then, it is steamed or boiled for about an hour until cooked.
Once cooked, the Jam Roly-Poly is removed from the steamer or pot and allowed to cool slightly before unwrapping and slicing. It is typically served warm with custard or ice cream, although some people enjoy it cold as well. The texture of Jam Roly-Poly is dense and slightly stodgy, which is characteristic of suet pastry.
One variation of the traditional recipe is to use vegetable suet instead of beef suet, which makes the dish suitable for vegetarians. Another variation is to add additional ingredients to the pastry dough, such as spices or grated citrus zest, to enhance the flavor of the dish.
You can freeze homemade Jam Roly-Poly for later. First, slice it and put greaseproof paper between the slices to prevent sticking. Then, store the slices in a freezer bag or Tupperware.
How Is Jam Roly-Poly Made?
Oven-baked jam roly-poly can be made with the following ingredients;
- Self-rising flour
- Softened butter (for greasing)
- Sugar
- Milk
- Jam (strawberry or raspberry)
- Shredded suet
- Salt
And by using a jelly roll pan and wax paper.
The first step requires preheating the oven and preparing the wax paper with butter.
In a large basin, the flour, suet, salt, and sugar should be mixed in, and milk added to stir the combination into a dough with a soft, springy consistency. Once the dough has been formed, it can be placed over a surface sprinkled with flour, where it can be kneaded until it feels even (with no lumps) and stretchy. If this step is too taxing, it can be carried out in a mixer with a dough hook, and once finished, the dough should be left to sit for a half-hour, at room temperature.
After the previous time, flatten the dough into a rectangle (about 22 x 32cm) on the floured surface. Then, spread the jam over it, leaving a half-inch border.
Once ready, roll the dough on the short side and place it over the buttered surface. Then, loosely wrap it in wax paper so that it may expand while baking. The paper can be fastened into place by twisting the ends and using kitchen string to tie it in.
Repeat the last step with a sheet of tin foil. Then place the dough on a rack, and place the pudding on a rack. Put the racks into a tin, half-filled with boiling water.
The dough can now be baked for 30-35 minutes, after which, it can be taken out, and the sheets surrounding it removed once placed on a flat surface.
Once slightly cooled, it can then be cut into slices of varying thickness and served. Its taste is better when chilled. It’s also better when served with toppings like custard, syrup, cream, and chocolate.
Microwave’s Power Settings and Coking Times for Jam Roly-Poly
Microwaves are handy kitchen tools. They can greatly speed up cooking, even for treats like jam roly-poly. Understanding the power settings and cooking times can ensure your dessert comes out perfectly every time.
| Power Setting | Cooking Time |
| High | 4-5 minutes |
| Medium-High | 6-7 minutes |
| Medium | 8-9 minutes |
| Medium-Low | 10-11 minutes |
| Low | 12-13 minutes |
Using the right power setting is crucial. It prevents overcooking or undercooking your jam roly-poly. Start with a higher power setting for a shorter cooking time if you’re in a hurry, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Conversely, lower power settings with longer cooking times can result in a more evenly cooked and tender dessert.
Trying out different power and time settings can help you find the perfect balance for your microwave. This balance will match your personal preferences. With some practice, you’ll master microwaving jam roly-poly. You’ll cook it perfectly, for a tasty treat every time.
How Often Should I Eat Jam Roly-Poly?
Jam roly-poly is a delicious treat but should be enjoyed in moderation. Due to its high carbohydrate content, indulging in jam roly-poly too frequently can lead to health issues such as weight gain, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease. It’s important to balance your diet with a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients.
While we don’t discourage you from enjoying jam roly-poly on occasion, it’s essential to be mindful of how often you consume it. Consider it a special treat rather than a regular part of your diet. You can also explore healthier versions of jam roly-poly. For example, by using whole grain flour, less sugar, or adding fruits for nutrients.
