Kale, Chestnut and Mushroom Bonbons with Cherry Sauce

Preparation Notes

Preparation time includes 2 hours of chilling.

Ingredients

For the bonbons

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 shallots, roughly chopped
• 150g kale, roughly chopped
• 225g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped
• 225g chestnut mushrooms, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 free-range egg, beaten (*for a vegan version substitute 1 tbsp gram flour mixed with 3 tbsp water)

For the coating

• 100g breadcrumbs
• 100g plain white flour
• 2 free-range eggs, beaten (*for a vegan version substitute 2 tbsp gram flour mixed with 6 tbsp water)

For deep-frying the bonbons

• 1000ml vegetable oil

For the cherry sauce

• 20 fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
• 20g caster sugar
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 lemon, juiced

To Garnish

• A few small sprigs of watercress

Method

1. To make the bonbons: Fry the shallots in oil over a medium heat for a few minutes until soft. Add the kale, chestnuts and mushrooms to the pan. Season then cook for 10 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat, cool slightly then place in a food processor with the egg (or vegan substitute). Pulse to bring together, leaving a little texture. Place in the fridge to chill for up to 2 hours.
3. To make the cherry sauce: Place the cherries in a pan with the sugar and thyme then bring to a simmer. Cook until the cherries have broken down and a syrup has formed.
4. Once chilled, divide the mixture into 12 and roll into balls. The bonbons can be frozen at this point if you want to.
5. Place the breadcrumbs, plain white flour and egg (or vegan substitute) into 3 separate bowls. Coat each of the bonbons in flour, then the beaten egg followed by the breadcrumbs.
6. Heat the oil in a large, wide, sturdy pan (no more than half full) to 180°C. Fry the bonbons until the outside is golden. You may need to do this in batches. Once cooked, drain the bonbons on kitchen towel.
7. Remove the thyme and stir in the lemon juice. Blend into a smooth purée.
8. Serve the bonbons with the cherry sauce on the side and garnish with a few sprigs of watercress.