Szechwan Meatballs Recipe

Szechwan is a region of China that lends its name to a style of cookery which includes many spices, most notably ginger. The spicy nature of these dishes means they require no salt.

Recipe : Szechwan Meatballs

Ingredients :

90g / 3 oz blanched almonds

450g / 1 lb minced beef

5ml / 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/2 large green pepper, seeded and chopped

dash of Szechwan, chili or Tabasco sauce

30ml / 2 tbsp soy sauce

oil for frying

45ml / 3 tbsp soy sauce

120ml / 4 fl oz vegetable stock

15ml / 1 tbsp rice wine or white wine vinegar

10ml / 2 tsp honey

15 ml / 1 tbsp sherry

15 ml / 1 tbsp cornflour

4 spring onions, sliced diagonally

Method :

Spread the almonds evenly onto a grill pan, and grill under a low heat for 3-4 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Stir the almonds often to prevent them from burning. Chop the almonds coarsely using a large sharp knife.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped almonds with the meat, ginger, garlic, green pepper. Szechwan sauce, and the 2 tbsp of soy sauce. Use a wooden spoon, or your hands, to ensure that the ingredients are well blended. Divide the mixture into 16 and roll each piece into small meatballs on a lightly floured board. Heat a little oil in a large frying pan and lay in about half of the meatballs in a single layer. Cook the meatballs over a low heat for about 20 minutes, turning them frequently until they are well browned all over. Transfer to a serving dish and keep warm while you cook the remaining meatballs. Set aside as before.

Stir the 3 tbsp soy sauce, stock and vinegar into the frying pan and bring to the boil. Boil briskly for about 30 seconds. Add the honey and stir until dissolved. Blend the sherry and cornflour together in a small bowl, and add this into the hot sauce. Cook, stirring all the time, until thickened. Arrange the meatballs on a serving dish and sprinkle with the sliced spring onions. Pour the sauce over, and serve.

Serving idea - Serve with boiled rice and a tomato salad.

Freezing - The meatballs will freeze uncooked for up to 3 months. The sauce should be prepared freshly when required.

Serves 4

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