What Does Blood Pudding Taste Like?

Did you know that blood pudding isn’t a dessert despite its name?

It’s a type of sausage, with a savory taste enjoyed in various forms across the globe.

Intrigued? Great! Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together, exploring the taste, texture, and varieties of blood pudding.

How Does Blood Pudding Taste?

The taste of blood pudding is a blend of rich, earthy flavors with a hint of sweetness. It carries a robust, meaty profile balanced by a creamy, dense texture and a mild, aromatic scent.

The earthiness comes from the blood, which also lends a metallic, iron-like undertone. This might sound a bit daunting, but this unique flavor gives blood pudding its character.

The sweetness is subtle, just enough to balance the robustness of the other flavors.

The texture is another aspect that sets blood pudding apart. It’s dense and creamy, almost like a rich pâté. It’s a texture that’s satisfying to bite into, and it complements the hearty taste.

As for the smell, it’s mild and savory, a hint of what’s to come when you take that first bite.

The taste of blood pudding can vary, depending on the ingredients used and the way it’s prepared.

Some varieties might include spices like nutmeg or cloves, which add a warm, spicy note to the dish. Others might include grains or onions, which lend a nutty or sweet flavor.

The method of cooking can also influence the taste. Whether it’s grilled, fried, or boiled, each method brings out a different aspect of the flavor profile, making each bite of blood pudding a unique experience.

What Does Blood Pudding Compare With?

• Liver: The rich, earthy flavor of blood pudding can be compared to liver. Both have a distinct, robust taste that’s unlike any other meat. The metallic undertone in blood pudding is also reminiscent of the iron-rich taste of liver.
• Black Sausage: Blood pudding and black sausage share a similar taste profile. Both are hearty and savory, with a dense, creamy texture. The key difference lies in the spices used, which can add a unique twist to each dish.
• Haggis: This traditional Scottish dish, made with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, has a similar rich, gamey flavor to blood pudding. The texture of haggis is also dense and hearty, much like blood pudding.
• Pâté: The creamy, smooth texture of blood pudding compares to pâté. Both have a satisfying mouthfeel that pairs well with their robust flavors.
• Morcilla: This Spanish version of blood sausage has a similar taste to blood pudding. The main difference lies in the additional ingredients used in morcilla, such as rice, onions, or peppers, which add a unique flavor twist.

Does Blood Pudding Taste Good?

Whether or not blood pudding tastes good is subjective and largely depends on personal preferences.

If you’re not a fan of strong, gamey flavors or the idea of eating blood makes you squeamish, then blood pudding might not be for you.

The metallic undertone from the blood content can be off-putting for some.

Also, the dense texture, which I find enjoyable, might not appeal to everyone.

How To Make Blood Pudding Taste Good

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of your ingredients can make a big difference in the taste of your blood pudding. Fresh blood, quality meat, and aromatic spices will give your pudding a rich, robust flavor.
• Balance the Flavors: Blood pudding has a strong, earthy taste. Balancing this with other flavors, such as sweet onions or warm spices, can make the dish more palatable for those new to it.
• Cooking Method: The way you cook your blood pudding can also affect its taste. Grilling or frying can give it a nice, crispy exterior that contrasts well with the creamy interior.
• Serving Suggestions: What you serve with your blood pudding can enhance its taste. Try serving it with some tangy apple sauce or a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes. The contrasting flavors can create a delightful taste experience.
• Seasoning: Don’t be shy with your seasoning. Salt can help bring out the flavors in your blood pudding, while pepper can add a bit of heat. Other spices, like nutmeg or cloves, can add a warm, spicy note.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. Adding grains like barley or oats can give your blood pudding a unique twist in terms of flavor and texture.

How To Eat Blood Pudding

Traditional Breakfast

One of the most popular ways to enjoy blood pudding is as part of a traditional breakfast, especially in the UK and Ireland.

It’s often served alongside eggs, bacon, and toast. The hearty, rich flavor of the blood pudding pairs well with the other breakfast items, providing a satisfying start to the day.

Grilled or Fried

Blood pudding can be grilled or fried until it has a crispy exterior, which provides a delightful contrast to the creamy interior.

This preparation method enhances the flavors and gives the pudding a pleasing texture. It can be served as a main dish or as a side with vegetables or potatoes.

In a Stew

In some cuisines, blood pudding is used as an ingredient in stews. The pudding adds a depth of flavor to the stew, and the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

This is a great way to enjoy blood pudding in a comforting, hearty dish.

With Applesauce

Applesauce’s slightly sweet, tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich, savory taste of blood pudding. The contrast in flavors creates a balanced, delicious dish.

This is a popular serving suggestion in many European countries.

As a Tapas Dish

In Spain, blood pudding, or morcilla as it’s known, is often served as a tapas dish. It’s usually sliced and fried, then served with bread and other tapas dishes. The robust flavor of the blood pudding makes it a standout dish in the spread.

What Does Blood Pudding Look Like?

In its raw form, blood pudding is a sausage, but not the kind you might be used to. The casing, usually made from a pig’s intestine, is filled with a mixture of pig’s blood, fat, and a filler like barley or oats.

The result is a dark, almost black sausage, hence the name “black pudding” in some regions. The texture is smooth and somewhat gelatinous due to the blood and fat.

Once cooked, the exterior becomes firm and can even get a bit crispy if it’s fried or grilled. The color darkens even more, becoming a deep, rich black.

On the other hand, the interior stays soft and creamy, providing a delightful contrast to the exterior.

In terms of size, blood pudding can vary. Some are thick and chunky, while others are thinner. It all depends on the casing used and the amount of filling.

Blood Pudding FAQs