Deep-fried shiitake mushrooms with ginger cavolo nero

Step 1

For the sauce, place all of the ingredients in a jug and whisk well to combine. Place in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Take off the heat and once cool, remove the star anise but keep it aside for decoration later.

Step 2

Combine the ingredients for the seasoned flour in a shallow bowl and the ingredients for the seasoned breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl. For the batter, mix the flour with 50ml/2fl oz of cold water in a shallow bowl until combined.

Step 3

For the quail Scotch eggs, mix the lardons and the spring onion in a small bowl. Add a teaspoon of the batter mixture and stir to combine. Dip the quail eggs in the flour, then the batter and then the breadcrumbs. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Step 4

Preheat a deep-fat fryer or deep saucepan of vegetable oil to 160C. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)

Step 5

Dip the mushrooms in the flour, then the batter and then the breadcrumbs. Place on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper.

Step 6

Fry the quail eggs for 3–4 minutes and the mushrooms for 2–3 minutes in the oil, until crispy and golden. Carefully remove using a slotted spoon and leave to drain on a plate lined with kitchen paper. Sprinkle over the shichimi togarashi and cut the eggs in half once cooled.

Step 7

For the cavolo nero, place a wok over a high heat until smoking. Add the rapeseed oil, sea salt and ginger and heat, shaking gently, for a few seconds. Add the cavolo nero and pour in the Shaoxing rice wine and stock. Stir-fry for a minute or so, or until the leaves are just wilted.

Step 8

Transfer the cavolo nero to four warmed serving plates. Spoon over the deep-fried mushrooms, add the quail egg halves and dress with the pomegranate sauce. Garnish with the pomegranate seeds and hazelnuts and decorate with the star anise. Serve immediately.