Ingredients
30g dried scallops (about 4)
50g dried shrimp
8 long, red chillies, deseeded and chopped
6 garlic cloves, finely sliced
2cm knob of ginger, shredded
2 anchovies, finely chopped
2 slices prosciutto, finely chopped (optional)
4 eschallots, finely chopped
2 tsp castor sugar
1 tsp salt
350ml vegetable oil
Method
Place the scallops and shrimp in a bowl. Pour on boiling water and leave to stand overnight, or for at least four hours.
Pick out the scallops and simmer them in one cup of the soaking liquid for 10 minutes. Drain and allow to cool, then shred the scallops into small filaments with your fingers.
Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a blender with the chillies, garlic, ginger, anchovies, prosciutto (if using), eschallots, sugar, salt and oil. Pulse once or twice to a rough, choppy paste.
Transfer to a pan, add the scallops and simmer on the lowest possible heat for 45 minutes until dark, mellow and aromatic, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking or burning. Spoon into a sterilised jar and seal. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep for two weeks.
