Apple and Smoked-Bacon Salad with Lychees and Chilli Nuts

Ingredients for Apple and Smoked-Bacon Salad with Lychees and Chilli Nuts

• 150g unsalted dry-roasted peanuts

• 2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce (preferably Tiparos brand)

• 1 teaspoon chilli powder

• 1/8 teaspoons cayenne

• 675g Winesap or Gala apples (3 to 4)

• 675g Mutsu (also called Crispin) or Golden Delicious apples (3 to 4)

• 230g slab bacon, any rind discarded, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch lardons (sticks)

• 45ml fresh lime juice

• 16 canned lychees (from a 575g can), drained and quartered, at warm room temperature

• 80g chopped spring onions at room temperature

• Equipment: an adjustable-blade slicer

How to make Apple and Smoked-Bacon Salad with Lychees and Chilli Nuts

Preheat oven to 177°C with rack in middle.

Stir together all chilli nut ingredients in a metal pie plate. Bake, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed and nuts are coated with spice mixture and dry, about 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Warm apples in a large bowl of warm water, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Meanwhile, cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 12 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and reserve 90ml fat in skillet.

Using slicer, cut apples into 1/8-inch-thick slices into a large bowl, rotating apple a quarter turn each time you reach core, then continuing to slice until left with nothing but core. Gently toss with lime juice.

Heat fat in skillet over medium heat until hot, then pour over apples and gently toss with bacon and 1/4 teaspoons pepper. Divide among 8 shallow bowls and sprinkle with lychees, spring onions, and chilli nuts.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.