Sanjay Aggarwal’s Eton mess with strawberries and black pepper

“Even if the weather lets you down, the flavours of this spiced-up summer treat never will. We bring to you a warming twist on a British classic,” says Sanjay Aggarwal, author of Spice Kitchen.

Eton mess with strawberries and black pepper

Ingredients:
(Serves 6)

500g strawberries, hulled
6tbsp caster (superfine) sugar
1tbsp whole black peppercorns
Freshly ground black pepper
300ml double cream
6 shop-bought meringue nests

Method:

1. Put half the strawberries in a saucepan with four tablespoons of the sugar. Squash them a little and place over a low heat.

2. Add the whole peppercorns and simmer until the strawberries have collapsed (keep an eye on them, as you don’t want the sugar to turn into caramel). Squash completely, pour through a sieve and set aside to cool.

3. Meanwhile, slice the remaining strawberries into quarters and put in a bowl. Cover with the rest of the sugar and a good grinding of black pepper. Toss and set aside. Whip the cream to soft peaks and crumble the meringues.

4. Gently ribbon the strawberry sauce through the cream, then fold through the sliced strawberries and meringue pieces.

5. Serve immediately.

Spice Kitchen by Sanjay Aggarwal is published by Quadrille, priced £22. Photography by Dan Jones. Available now.