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The black pudding dish needs an alternative because of the use of animal blood in it, especially pigs. White pudding is the next best choice for black pudding. The white pudding uses only the meat and fat of animals, especially pigs.
While the white pudding is the best choice for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans, there is a vegan recipe for this black pudding using mushrooms, grains, activated charcoal, and spices.
The alternatives for the black pudding/blood sausages arose due to people’s choices and cultural practices.
Please scroll down to learn more about black pudding and its substitutes.
Contents
How is a black pudding made?
The famous Irish and English dish uses pig’s blood, fats, oatmeal, spices, and other seasonings.
The recipe uses fresh pig’s blood, oatmeal, minced or finely chopped pig suet, or beef suet with milk, herbs, and salt.
The blood and the other ingredients are cooked and shaped into a cylinder. The pudding is then enjoyed in breakfast dishes. These days chefs have found a creative way to incorporate these in lunch, dinner, and other meals.
The black pudding/blood sausage can be eaten raw, boiled, baked, grilled, fried, or how a person wants it. Also read this if your pudding is watery in fridge.
While most people who live in areas where this is a traditional dish prefer to have these raw. Since the pudding is already cooked beforehand.
Substitutes for black pudding
There are only a few substitutes available for this superfood. This is because the options should be similar and inclusive simultaneously.
Here the similarity is in using meat and fat and keeping the dish healthy and tasty. The difference is the omission of using blood in the recipe or any form of heart in the vegan version.
Hence here are the five substitute for black pudding.
1. White pudding
White pudding is a type of sausage that is similar to black pudding, but it is made without blood. Instead, it is made with a mixture of pork, pork fat, oatmeal, and seasonings such as onions, salt, and pepper. The mixture is then stuffed into a casing and boiled or fried until it is cooked through.
How is this a good substitute
- White pudding is a good substitute for black pudding for those who do not eat meat or do not like the idea of eating blood.
- White pudding is also a good source of protein and carbohydrates, and the oatmeal used in its preparation adds fiber to the dish.
Since no blood is used, the pudding gets a lighter color, hence the name white pudding.
2. Chorizo
This is the next best alternative widely suggested by most people. Chorizo is a sausage made with fine-chopped pork fat or similar seasonings and spices. The dish is prepared, sealed in the ideal shape, and left alone for fermenting and drying.
How is this a good substitute
- This can also be made of other animals or fat such as beef, horse meat, donkey, venison, and wild boar. And this is typically enjoyed with a lamb dish as a tasty side.
- Chorizo is a good source of protein and iron, which are essential for maintaining a healthy diet.
3. Traditional sausages
Black pudding is a sausage made of blood. And various types of links are made without the use of animal blood in their recipe. A traditional sausage is not the best choice in place of black pudding. This can still make a decent replacement when paired with other healthy elements in the plate.
Some of the best types of sausages are lamb sausage, Italian sausage, andouille, lap cheong, kielbasa, bratwurst, longaniza, and more. These are some of the best sausage options to replace black pudding or other blood sausages.
How is this a good substitute
- They offer similar meaty and savory flavor.
- They are also versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes such as casseroles, stews, and pasta dishes.
- Traditional sausages can be a good source of protein and certain nutrients, such as iron and vitamin B12.
- They are readily available in many supermarkets and grocery stores, making them a convenient option for home cooks.
- They are also relatively easy to cook and can be prepared in a variety of different ways, from frying to grilling or boiling.
4. Haggis
Haggis is mainly made from using sheep meat and fat. But they are also made with other animal fats such as pork, lamb, venison, and beef. The recipe is similar to the black pudding except for using blood.
The main ingredients used are heart, liver, lungs, and typical sausage casing, along with the traditional spices and seasonings used for the black pudding. This dish is another Scottish delight next to black pudding.
The dish is usually eaten with mashed potatoes, turnips, and chicken, equipped to a gourmet level and paired with apples.
How is this a good substitute
- Haggis can be a good substitute for black pudding in certain dishes due to its meaty and hearty flavor.
- It can be used as a breakfast ingredient, or added to stews, soups, or pies.
- Haggis has a distinct flavor and aroma that may not be suitable for all dishes or palates. So, while haggis can be a good substitute for black pudding in certain contexts, it may not be the best choice for every recipe.
5. Vegan version of black pudding
This vegan version of the black pudding is for the vegans who want to have a black pudding in their diet or a meal. A vegan version of black pudding typically substitutes animal blood with plant-based ingredients such as oats, onions, and spices. Some recipes also include ingredients like beans, mushrooms, or tofu to give the pudding a meaty texture.
Optionally, the deep black color of the dish is achieved by using activated charcoal in the recipe.
How is this a good substitute –
- Vegan black pudding can be a good substitute for traditional black pudding for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or for those who prefer to avoid animal products.
- is also a good source of fiber, protein, and iron, which are important nutrients for a healthy diet. It can be used in the same way as traditional black pudding.
- The vegan black sausage has a robust earthy flavor compared to other vegan sausages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you use instead of black pudding?
White pudding is the next go-to choice after black pudding. The white pudding excludes the use of blood in its recipe. And only uses meat and fats for the animals. The color of the pudding is lighter, hence the name white pudding.
What is black pudding called in the USA?
In the USA, the black pudding is named the blood sausage. Considering the use of blood is so cruel, the country has banned the preparation and consumption of the dish.
What is a good substitute for blood sausage?
Any blood sausage can be replaced with white pudding, chorizo, or meat sausage. These meat sausages will not precisely replicate the black pudding taste and nutritional values, but they are still a good choice for any meal.
What can I use instead of black pudding for English breakfast?
In an English breakfast, black pudding can be replaced with white pudding. The white pudding is the same as that of the black pudding minus the use of the blood in it.
Conclusion
The black pudding is an excellent dish from the blood drained from animals. The plate is tasty and healthy and must be replaced with something else. But these replacements are the closest to the traditional black pudding.
These black pudding substitutes compensate for not using blood with the other unique ingredients in their recipe. The meat parts, wholegrains, seasonings, and spices make them a perfect side dish and add to any meal.
Enjoy these alternatives in salads, soups, and other condiments for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert.