Are you a fan of traditional British cuisine? Do you love the rich, savory flavor of beef dripping on your toast or bread?
If so, you may be wondering where to find this beloved ingredient. While it may not be as popular as it once was, beef dripping with jelly is still available in some supermarkets and butcher shops in the United Kingdom.
But if you can’t find it, don’t worry – it’s easy to make at home. In this article, we’ll explore the history of beef dripping and how to make it yourself.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to indulge in a delicious taste of nostalgia.
Where To Buy Beef Dripping With Jelly?
If you’re lucky enough to live in the United Kingdom, you may be able to find beef dripping with jelly in some supermarkets and traditional butcher shops. However, availability may vary depending on your location.
If you’re unable to find it in stores, don’t fret – making beef dripping with jelly at home is a simple process. All you need is some beef fat and a bit of patience.
The History Of Beef Dripping And Jelly
Beef dripping and jelly have a long history in British cuisine, dating back to the dark days of World War I and II. During these periods of rationing, food was scarce and nothing could be wasted. Beef dripping, which is the fat that drips from a joint during roasting, was a valuable commodity as it could be used in many different ways.
One of the most popular uses for beef dripping during this time was in the classic wartime dish known as “bread and dripping.” Diners would spread dripping onto a slice of bread and eat it cold with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. This dish was simple, cheap, and filling – perfect for families struggling to make ends meet.
Beef dripping also gained popularity because families traditionally had a large joint of roast beef every Sunday. The rendered beef fat imparted a fantastic crispiness to the spuds, creating a centerpiece of golden potatoes for a sublime Sunday meal.
Unlike the stuff you buy in supermarkets today, proper beef dripping was made by rendering down the hard fat from around the organs of cow carcasses. It contained bits and pieces of other tissue which separated out and formed a layer of jelly beneath the fat which floated to the top. This jelly layer was often spread on bread or toast, creating what is known in Yorkshire as “a mucky sandwich.”
While the popularity of beef dripping has faded since the end of World War II, some stalwart fans remain, including plenty of home cooks and professional chefs who adore its special properties. Beef dripping is still regarded as the best tasting of all the drippings, and it remains a crucial part of a traditional British roast dinner.
Where To Find Beef Dripping With Jelly
Beef dripping with jelly is a traditional British delicacy that is loved by many. It is made by rendering down the hard fat from around the organs of cow carcasses, which results in a layer of jelly beneath the fat that floats to the top. This jelly is what gives the beef dripping its unique flavor and texture.
If you’re looking to buy beef dripping with jelly, your best bet would be to check out traditional butcher shops and some supermarkets in the United Kingdom. However, it’s important to note that availability may vary depending on your location.
If you can’t find beef dripping with jelly in stores, don’t worry – it’s easy to make at home. Simply pour the hot fat left over from roasting into a heatproof glazed china basin, cover it to keep out flies and dust, and leave it to cool and solidify. Once solidified, any dirty bits of charred meat will sink to the bottom of the basin and can be dug out or scraped off and thrown away. The remaining layer of jelly beneath the fat can then be used as a spread on toast or bread.
It’s important to keep in mind that beef dripping with jelly is high in fat and cholesterol, so it’s best to consume it in moderation. Nevertheless, it’s a delicious treat that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Making Beef Dripping With Jelly At Home
To make beef dripping with jelly at home, it’s best to use beef suet, which is the internal fat covering the kidneys and inner organs. You can use any beef fat, but kidney suet melts faster and better and has fewer solids to dispose of when the process is finished.
Start by putting the suet into a good-sized pot and adding half a teaspoon of salt. Place the pot in the oven and stir occasionally. It will take 2 or 3 hours to render down completely, and if you started with 2kg of suet, you will probably end up with 1kg of dripping.
Some people say you need to add water to the suet as it goes into the pot, but it’s not necessary. When the dripping is cooled a bit, use a slotted spoon to remove the solids, then strain the liquid through a sieve. Follow that by pouring the dripping through a fine muslin cloth (or kitchen paper) in the sieve into a wide bowl to clarify it further.
Let the dripping solidify and remove from the bowl, turn it upside down, and remove any brown from the bottom. When it is clean and all white, melt it once more and pour into smaller quantities for daily or weekly use.
If the dripping is clarified properly, it will last for months in a cool dark place (your larder) or years in the fridge. You can also freeze it if you have a large quantity, but it tastes so good it will probably be used fairly quickly.
Once you have your beef dripping, you can use it to make toast and dripping, a classic British snack that consists of toast or bread with a liberal spread of soft fat and meat jelly. The jelly layer beneath the fat is what gives this dish its unique flavor.
Tips For Cooking With Beef Dripping
Cooking with beef dripping can add a delicious depth of flavor to your dishes. Here are some tips for cooking with beef dripping:
1. Roasting: Beef dripping is perfect for roasting meats and vegetables. It has a high smoke point of 420oF, which means it can handle high heat and won’t burn easily. Simply rub the meat or vegetables with a generous amount of beef dripping before roasting in the oven.
2. Frying: Beef dripping is also great for frying foods. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for deep frying or pan frying. Use it to fry up some crispy chicken or fish for a delicious and flavorful meal.
3. Baking: If you want to add a unique flavor to your baked goods, try using beef dripping instead of butter or oil. It will give your baked goods a rich, savory taste that pairs well with sweet flavors.
4. Toast and Dripping: Toast and dripping is a classic British snack that’s easy to make at home. Simply spread some beef dripping with jelly on toast or bread for a tasty treat.
Remember, beef dripping is high in fat and cholesterol, so it’s best to use it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But when used sparingly, it can add a delicious flavor to your meals that’s hard to resist.
Recipes Featuring Beef Dripping With Jelly
If you’ve never tried beef dripping with jelly, you’re in for a treat. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
