Jack Nicholson's role in the film Chinatown is one of his greatest performances. J. J. 'Jake' Gittes is a private investigator in 1930's Los Angeles. He has to solve the problem of why reservoir water is being released into the sea during a drought and the even more complex problem of Evelyn Mulwray (played by Faye Dunaway).
Sweet and Sour Chicken is, of course, a Chinese-American invention, rather than an authentic Chinese dish, but that doesn't stop it from being delicious. Zelda's version of the famous battered balls of 'chicken' (or in this case tofu) can be found here. The lighter 'Hong Kong Style', stir fries chicken and vegetables and adds the sweet and sour sauce. It has become a popular take away dish which can be reproduced more healthily at home. Maybe Jake Gittes wouldn't necessarily go for the healthiest food, but hopefully he would enjoy this low-fat version. Swap the sweetener for sugar if you like.
SWEET AND SOUR HONG KONG STYLE (LOW FAT VERSION)
Serves 2
Mix together:
4tbsp ketchup
1tbsp white wine vinegar
1tbsp light soy sauce
1tsp cornflour
4tsp powder sweetener
plus hot water as needed
Add a little oil to a pan and heat to high
Add:
some pineapple chunks, fresh or drained from a can
1 small pepper, sliced thinly
1 carrot, peeled and finely sliced
1 onion, peeled and finely sliced
2 spring onions, chopped diagonally
quorn pieces, defrosted if frozen
When softened and slightly browned, pour in the sauce and mix together.
Place in a bowl with some fresh coriander and sesame seeds.
