Ingredient 13 - Star Anise

Star anise is a spice native to China and Vietnam. It is in fact a small fruit off an oriental tree, in the shape of a star as its name suggests. The fruit are picked just before ripening and then dried.

Star anise adds a unique mild liquorice flavour to culinary dishes and is also incorporated into liquor products such as Galliano. The spice also has medicinal benefits, traditionally treating rheumatism as well as aiding in digestion.

The spice is popular ingredient in Asian-based soups as demonstrated in this recipe where it enhances the meat flavours.

Perfect for a rainy day!

Five spiced chicken with Star Anise noodle soup

Serves 4

2 large chicken breasts

2 tbsp Chinese five-spice

2L chicken stock

8 whole star anise

1 packet somen noodles (Hakubaku brand, bundles of 3, 270g)

4 small bunches choy sum

5 green shallots

½ bunch coriander

2 large red chillis

• Preheat oven to 180°.
• Spread the Chinese five-spice powder over a large plate. Cut breasts in half and coat each side well with spice mixture.
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in fry pan. Fry the chicken breasts for 3-5min on each side until browned.
• Place breasts on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Cook chicken in the oven for a further 15minutes until cooked through. Cool for 5 minutes and thinly slice.
• Remove the stalks of the choy sum and thinly slice bunches crossways. Slice shallots, thinly in white sections, thicker in green. Finely chop the chillis.
• Bring the chicken stock with star anise to boil in a large saucepan. Remove the star anise and reduce heat to a simmer.
• Place choy sum and noodles into the saucepan. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
• Ladle the soup mixture into deep bowls, top with sliced chicken, and serve with small bowls of chilli, shallots and coriander.