250g button mushrooms 2 eggs, beaten 100g panko breadcrumbs (other types will do, but these are really crunchy) 100g plain flour, seasoned with salt and pepper sunflower oil for frying Wash the mushrooms, rather than brush them, as the extra moisture will help the coating to stick.
Set out three bowls or plates for the eggs, flour and breadcrumbs.
Place each in the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs.
Heat the oil, then cook the mushrooms, in batches if necessary.
Turn as necessary and remove when crispy and golden.
How sad, last week, to hear of the untimely death of Gary Rhodes. He made cooking seem fun and accessible, and he also did a great deal to elevate British cuisine and give it back its pride. This is his recipe for what he called 'Vegetarian Sausage Rolls'. I have re-named it as it is a fantastic alternative, not a substitute, and deserves acclaim in its own right.
As Gary, himself, said: "If you're wondering what a vegetarian sausage roll is: simple, fantastic; that's what it is." I have to say, these little beauties are absolutely delicious. They conform to Gary's own standards, by taking a British classic and giving it a 'twist', in this case the cayenne pepper. Indulgent and spicy, these will definitely be making these again (and again). I have re-ordered the instructions slightly to make it easier to have everything ready when needed. I have also added conversions for amounts and cooking temperatures. The rest is all Gary's. SPICY CHEESE AND ONION ROLLS To make the pastry: 175g self raising flour 75g vegetable suet pinch of salt about 6-8 tbsp water To make the filling: 175g strong cheddar cheese 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1tsp cayenne pepper You will also need: 1 egg, beaten knob of butter for greasing
Start by preparing the filling.
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Set aside until needed.
Make the pastry.
Mix all the ingredients together until you have a pliable dough.
Place it on a floured surface and work it to mix in the suet and give it a smooth texture.
Make it into a roll and cut it in half.
Dust the surface and roll out the first half until you have a rectangle of about 10" by 4" (25cm by 10cm).
Brush water around the border.
Place half the filling inside and press down.
Roll it up from the long side.
Dust again and lightly roll through the flour to seal the base.
Cut into 5.
Repeat with the other half of pastry and filling.
Place all on a buttered baking tray.
Brush the egg wash over the top of each.
Cook at 220°C Gas 7/ 428°F for 15-20 minutes or, until as Gary says they: "Go all squishy and the juices run. They might not look the most shapely in the world, but they are the most flavoursome."
