Morcilla, apple and potato pancakes

Morcilla is the Spanish version of black pudding. Much softer and creamier, and loaded with smoked paprika, it makes the perfect foil for sharp-sweet apples. Ensure you have a sturdy non-stick frying pan for this, so you can cook and flip the pancakes without any fuss. For something more substantial, add a fried or smoked egg and some grilled pancetta, or freshen things up with a tangle of peppery watercress dressed with a sharp vinaigrette.

Serves 4

about 100g (½ cup) coarse salt

4 medium Desiree potatoes

2 tsp unsalted butter

1 small onion, finely sliced

1 Granny Smith apple, cored, peeled and finely sliced

1 tsp thyme leaves

200g (7oz) morcilla or soft black pudding, skin removed

1 tsp red wine vinegar

sea salt and black pepper

olive oil, for cooking

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Scatter a thin layer of salt onto a baking sheet, place the potatoes on top and bake for 1 hour or until the potatoes are soft and tender. Leave to cool before scooping out the flesh into a bowl and discarding the skins.

Light the barbecue and set for direct/indirect cooking.

Place a sauté pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the butter, onion, apple and thyme and cook, without colouring, for 3–4 minutes until softened. Transfer to the bowl with the potato flesh, then add the morcilla. Season with the vinegar and some salt and pepper, then mix well and shape into 4 large potato cakes. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up.

Sit an ovenproof non-stick frying pan on the grill in the direct heat zone of the barbecue and add a lug of olive oil. Carefully place the potato cakes in the pan and fry for 2 minutes on each side to create a crust before moving the pan to the indirect heat zone and closing the lid of the barbecue. Leave to cook for 4–5 minutes until the potato cakes are cooked through and piping-hot. Serve immediately.