A STREET food stall has stumbled upon a surprise hit – taking inspiration from I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!

Nkono at Bolton Market has been selling lambs’ testicles – also known as lamb fries – and The Bolton News has been down to try them out.

We sent our editor Steve Thompson to the market to taste the ‘lamb balls’ earlier this week – after they sold out at Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

The Bolton News: Editor Steve Thompson and Nkono chef and owner Alain JobEditor Steve Thompson and Nkono chef and owner Alain Job

Chef Alain Job has to order in the product specially from butchers on the market.

He then cooks them up on his stall ready for the lunchtime crowd.

The menu changes at Nkono every day – but if punters want to try the delicacy for themselves then they just need to ask Alain who will arrange for them to be put on the menu in the coming week.

The chef said: “They are very good for you, and they taste great. I cook them with Jersey cream, shallots and Camembert.

The Bolton News: StevE Thompson tries 'lamb balls' cooked up by Alain Job at Nkono at Bolton MarketStevE Thompson tries 'lamb balls' cooked up by Alain Job at Nkono at Bolton Market

“We sold out of them at Bolton Food and Drink Festival – they are very popular.

“These are a delicacy in places like Hong Kong and are highly valued.”

Marinated and cooked on a grill, the lamb dish goes well with bowl of rice and according to Alain can be "quite cheesy and intense" when cooked.

The Bolton News: Steve tucks into the dishSteve tucks into the dish

Editor Steve said: “I was definitely apprehensive about trying these – even though I have done plenty of taste tests over the years for the newspaper.

“But I have to say these were honestly great. I would have them again, no doubt.

“The meat is very smooth with a similar texture to scallops. It was a subtle taste in a punchy sauce.”

Nkono first trialled the special dish a month ago, then launched it at the food and drink festival.

Alan fell in love with the healthy balls and wanted to bring something different to Bolton.

He compares it to sirloin and says people are shocked as they walk past and ask what it is.

The Bolton News: The dish cooking on the stoveThe dish cooking on the stove

He said: “First thing they say is that they never tried it and if it is real.

“They’re curious and the demand started to come from the curiosity and now people wait 30 minutes as we run out and make more.”

The lamb fries are on the menu for £5 at Nkono.

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