Crispy Pork Wontons

Serves 4 

Ingredients:

* 1 small onion, peeled and roughly chopped

* 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

* 1 green chilli, desseded and chopped

* 2.5 cm/1 inch piece fresh root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

* 450 g/1 lb lean pork mince

* 4 tbsp freshly chopped coriander

* 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder

* salt and freshly ground black pepper

* 20 wonton wrappers

* 1 medium egg, lightly beaten

* vegetable oil for deep-frying

* chilli sauce, to serve.

Procedure:

Place the onion, garlic, chilli and ginger in a food processor and

blend until very finely chopped. Add the pork, coriander and

Chinese five-spice powder. Season the mixture to taste with salt

and pepper, then blend again briefly to mix. Divide the mixture into

20 equal portions and with floured hands shape each into a

walnut-sized ball

Brush the edges of a wonton wrapper with beaten egg, place a

pork ball in the centre, then bring the corners to the centre and

pinch together to make a money bag. Repeat with the remaining

pork balls and wrappers.

Pour sufficient oil into a heavy-based saucepan or deep-fat fryer

so that it is one-third full and heat to 180'C/350'f. Deep-fry the

wontons in three of four batches for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked

through and golden and crisp. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper.

Serve the crispy pork  wontons immediately, allowing five per

person, with some chilli sauce for dipping.