Bermondsey Bomb - La Bomba de la Barcelonata

To make the Alioli

Step 1

Whisk the egg yolks with the vinegar and some seasoning. Gradually whisk in the vegetable then olive oil in a thin, steady stream, whisking all the time until you have a thick, glossy mayonnaise. Whisk in the garlic and lemon juice to taste. If too thick, whisk in 25–30 ml (1 fl oz) of water. Set aside.

Step 2

Place the potatoes in a large pan with cold salted water and bring to the boil. When cooked through, drain and let cool. Peel and mash the potatoes. Season to taste and set aside. Keep warm.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a saucepan and add half of the onions. Cook over a medium heat until they start to caramelize (about 20–30 minutes), then add the garlic and a pinch of chilli flakes. Cook for another minute and then add the pork. Cook for 10 minutes and season to taste. Set aside.

To make the spicy tomato sauce

Step 4

Heat the remaining olive oil in another pan and cook the rest of the onions over a medium heat until soft. Add a pinch of chilli flakes and the tomatoes and cook until reduced, with almost no juices left. Season to taste.

Step 5

Make a ball of around 3 1/2 oz (100 g) mash. Use your thumb to press a hole into the center. Fill the cavity with the pork mixture and cover with more mash to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining mash and meat mixture.

Step 6

Put the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs in separate bowls. One by one, roll the balls first in the flour, then in the egg and finally in the breadcrumbs.

Step 7

In a deep pan heat enough oil to cover 2–3 ‘bombs’ to 180ºC (350ºF) or until a cube of bread browns in 20 seconds. Fry the bombs until golden – use a thermometer to make sure they are hot inside. Spoon some alioli in the centre of a plate and place a bomb on top and spoon over the spicy tomato sauce. Serve hot.