Fried Fragrant Bells
appetizers, chinese, pork
1 lb ground pork
2 finely chopped green onions
1 slice minced ginger
3 tablespoon chicken broth
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 egg
2 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoon water
4 dried bean curd sheet
1 additional cornstarch
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoon szechwan peppercorns
2 to 4 cups vegetable oil
Combine pork, onion, ginger, broth, soy sauce, Sherry, egg and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in bowl and mix well. Combine remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with water in small bowl.
Moisten 1 bean curd sheet under running water. Place on work surface and spread with 1/4 of meat mixture. Roll as for jelly roll; brush long edge with dissolved cornstarch to seal. Repeat to make three more rolls. Cut each into slices 1 1/2 inches thick; dip each end in additional cornstarch to seal filling. (Can be done 3 to 4 hours ahead to this point and refrigerated.)
For salt: Combine salt and peppercorns in small skillet and cook until browned. Crush in mortar with pestle.
Heat oil in wok or deep fryer to 375 deg. Add slices a few at a time and fry until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with peppercorn salt, if desired.
Yield: 40 servings