Curried sweetcorn soup with chicken

Method

• step 1

  If you’re using fresh corn, wash the cobs and remove the kernels with a sharp knife or cleaver. Put in a bowl and set aside – you should end up with about 280g.

• step 2

  Mix the chicken shreds with the egg white, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tsp cornflour in a small bowl and chill for 15 mins. Beat the whole egg and remaining sesame oil together in another small bowl and set aside.

• step 3

  Bring the stock to a simmer in a large pan, add the sweetcorn and simmer for 10 mins, uncovered. Meanwhile, bring a small pan of water to the boil. Turn off the heat and quickly blanch the chicken shreds until they just turn white – about 20 secs. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.

• step 4

  Add the Shaohsing rice wine to the stock with the curry powder, 1 tsp salt, the sugar and the remaining cornflour pre-mixed with 2 tsp water. Bring it back to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer for another 5 mins.

• step 5

  Add the blanched chicken shreds, then add the egg and sesame oil mixture in a very slow, thin stream. Using a chopstick or fork, pull the egg slowly into strands.

• step 6

  Ladle into a large bowl, garnish with the spring onions and serve straight away.