CHICKEN TOSS RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Using a speed-peeler, peel the cucumber and carrot (including the skin), until you have a pile of long, thin ribbons and place in a bowl.
  2. Pick and roughly chop most of the coriander leaves, discarding the stalks. Place it all into the bowl with the soy and rice wine vinegar. Toss well and set aside.
  3. Toast the Szechuan peppercorns in a dry frying pan until lightly golden. Transfer to a pestle and mortar, grind to a fine powder, then sieve into a large bowl, discarding any large, tough bits.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of cornflour and stir to combine. Chop the chicken into bite-sized chunks, then toss in the cornflour mixture to coat.
  5. Pour 2cm of oil into a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, add the chicken and fry for 7 to 8 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
  6. Meanwhile, peel and finely slice the garlic and ginger, then trim and finely slice the spring onions.
  7. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken to a double layer of kitchen paper to drain. Carefully remove and discard most of the oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan, then return to a medium heat.
  8. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for 2 minutes, or until lightly golden, then stir in the spring onions and whole chillies and fry for 1 further minute.
  9. Meanwhile, combine ½ tablespoon of cornflour and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix in the soy, vinegar and honey, then pour the mixture into the pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  10. Lightly bash and add the peanuts, stir in the chicken, then toss well until warmed through. Snip the cress over the ribbon salad, scatter the reserved coriander leaves over the chicken, then serve.

Steps:

• 1. Gently heat the curry powder, cumin and turmeric for 1 minute in a dry pan on a medium heat.
  2. Deseed 2 chillies and peel the garlic and ginger. Place in a blender with the toasted spices and coriander (reserving a few nice leaves in a bowl of cold water for later).
  3. Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, the green parts of the spring onions, the zest of 2 limes and the juice of 3. Blitz until almost smooth, loosening with a few splashes of water, if needed, then taste and season to perfection.
  4. Cut each chicken thigh into 4 pieces and toss with half the satay sauce. Divide and thread onto 4 skewers and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
  5. If you’re using a barbecue, get it going 1 hour before you want to cook. If you’re using a griddle pan, cut your wooden skewers to fit and preheat the pan.
  6. Get a garnish plate together – drain the coriander leaves, finely slice the whites of the spring onions, finely slice the remaining chillies and wedge up the remaining lime. Toast the peanuts in a dry pan until golden, then crush and add to the plate.
  7. When you’re ready to cook, oil and lightly season the chicken on both sides, then place on your medium-hot barbecue or griddle pan. Cook for around 15 minutes, or until beautifully gnarly and golden, turning regularly.
  8. Serve on a platter with the rest of the sauce on the side. Sprinkle over the garnishes and slice up some nice ripe wedges of watermelon or pineapple to serve on the side – heavenly.