Sweet & sour chicken

Method

• step 1

  For the sauce, put the red pepper, chunks of chilli and pineapple juice in a pan and bring to the boil. Cover and cook for 10 mins, then purée in a food processor.

  

• step 2

  Return to the pan with the pineapple chunks, chilli halves, star anise, tamarind, sugar and vinegar. Gently simmer for 20-30 mins until reduced and sticky. Keep warm, or reheat to serve.

  

• step 3

  Fill a large pan 1cm deep with oil and heat until shimmering. Whisk the soda water and 100ml cold water into the self-raising flour with a little salt. Stir the batter well.

  

• step 4

  Tip the cornflour onto a plate, line a tray with kitchen paper and turn on the oven to low. Dust the chicken with cornflour, then dip into the batter.

  

• step 5

  One at a time, lower into the hot oil (about 5-6 every batch). Turn up the heat to keep the chicken frying, if needed, and cook for 5-6 mins, turning once.

  

• step 6

  When cooked, drain on the tray, and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

  

• step 7

  Stack onto a plate with the warm sauce on the side, and scatter with shredded spring onions.