These homemade chicken nuggets are posh people-pleasers. Serve as a moreish canapé at your next party.
Equipment and preparation: for this recipe you will need a food processor.
Ingredients
For the mayo
- 3 free-range
egg yolks - 1 tbsp
white wine vinegar - 1 tbsp
Dijon mustard - 1
lemon, juice only - 10 salted anchovy fillets
- 1 tbsp smoked
paprika - 500ml/18fl oz
vegetable oil
For the chicken nuggets
- vegetable or
sunflower oil, for deep-frying - 200g/7oz
semolina flour, plus extra for dusting - 100g/3½oz
tapioca flour (available online or from health-food specialists) - ½ tsp
bicarbonate of soda - 330ml/11fl oz sparkling water
- 4 skinless
chicken breasts, cut into nugget-sized pieces - pinch
cayenne pepper - pinch
sea salt flakes
Recommended wine
Method
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For the mayo, blend the egg yolks, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, anchovy fillets and paprika to a smooth paste in a food processor.
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With the motor still running, gradually add the oil in a thin stream, until the mixture thickens to a smooth mayonnaise.
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For the chicken nuggets, heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 180C/350F. Alternatively, heat the oil in a deep, heavy-based frying pan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden-brown when dropped into it. (CAUTION: Hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)
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In a large bowl, mix together the flours and the bicarbonate of soda.
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Gradually pour in the sparkling water in a thin stream, whisking well until the mixture comes together as a loose, smooth batter.
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Sprinkle a little semolina flour onto a plate. Dust the chicken pieces in the flour, then dip them into the batter.
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Carefully lower the chicken nuggets into the hot oil, in batches if necessary, and fry until the batter turns crisp and golden-brown, and the nuggets float to the surface of the oil (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from the oil using a slotted spoon and set aside to drain on kitchen paper. Just before serving, dust the chicken nuggets with the cayenne pepper and sprinkle over the sea salt flakes.
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To serve, place equal amounts of chicken nuggets into serving bowls with a dollop of mayo alongside.
Recommended wine
Beer recommendations: Beavertown Neck Oil Session IPA, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger Kentish Strong Ale.