What is pudding?

Pudding is a broad term for a dessert that can be sweet or savory, and comes in various textures ranging from creamy to firm.

Here's a breakdown of what makes a pudding:

Sweet Pudding:

* Ingredients: Typically made with milk, eggs, sugar, and flavorings like vanilla or chocolate.

* Texture: Can be creamy, smooth, or firm depending on the ingredients and cooking method.

* Examples:

* Custard: A creamy, egg-based pudding, often flavored with vanilla.

* Chocolate pudding: A classic dessert made with chocolate, milk, sugar, and cornstarch.

* Rice pudding: A creamy pudding made with rice, milk, sugar, and often spices like cinnamon.

* Bread pudding: A dessert made with bread, milk, eggs, and often fruit or chocolate.

Savory Pudding:

* Ingredients: Often made with bread, meat, vegetables, and seasonings.

* Texture: Can be dense, crumbly, or creamy.

* Examples:

* Black pudding: A traditional British sausage made with blood, oatmeal, and suet.

* Yorkshire pudding: A savory batter pudding served with roast meat.

Key Characteristics:

* Cooked: Pudding is usually cooked, either by boiling, baking, or steaming.

* Variety: There are countless variations of pudding, depending on the region, culture, and ingredients.

Ultimately, the definition of "pudding" is flexible and can vary depending on the context.