Yorkshire puddings with onion gravy

James Martin uses an all-milk batter and lots of eggs to make rich, soft puddings. Serve with lashings of gravy.

Equipment and preparation: for this recipe you will need a 12 hole deep muffin tin.

Ingredients

For the Yorkshire puddings
  • 225g/8oz plain flour
  • 8 free-range eggs
  • 500ml/18fl oz whole milk
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 75g/2¾oz beef dripping
For the onion gravy
  • 250ml/9fl oz red wine
  • 1 litre/1¾ pints fresh beef or veal stock
  • 50g/1¾oz butter
  • 3 onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 sprigs thyme, leaves picked
  • 50ml/1¾fl oz brandy

Preparation method

  1. For the Yorkshire puddings, place the flour into a bowl, whisk in the eggs and milk until as smooth as possible then season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Pour into a jug and place in the fridge to rest, preferably overnight.
  3. Heat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7.
  4. Place a 12 hole deep muffin tin into the oven and leave for five minutes, then add a little beef dripping into each of the holes and leave to heat for 5-10 minutes, or until smoking hot.
  5. Take the batter from the fridge and whisk one more time. Carefully pour the batter into the tins and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden-brown and risen around the edges.
  6. For the onion gravy, place the red wine into a wide sauté pan and heat until reduced by half. Add the stock and cook over a very low heat until reduced by half again.
  7. Meanwhile, heat a large pan until hot then add the butter, sliced onions and thyme leaves and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until soft and lightly golden-brown.
  8. Add the brandy and flambé to burn off the alcohol (CAUTION: Keep your face and hair away from the flames. Do not leave unattended.). Add the reduced stock and bring to the boil.
  9. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for another five minutes then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  10. To serve, pour the onion gravy over the warm Yorkshire puddings.

James Martin recipes from Saturday Kitchen

Over 2 hours preparation time

30 mins to 1 hour cooking time

Makes 12 large puddings