Summer rolls

savouryveganvegetariangluten freedairy free

17 Feb

I gotta admit, the first few times I had summer rolls (fresh spring rolls) I didn’t like them. No idea what it was about them. A while back I decided I needed to tidy up the pantry and use up the things that were in there that had just been sitting there for a while, and rice papers were there. So, I made some summer rolls, and I have to admit, since then I’ve been obsessed! They are a regular on our meal plan. So simple to make and really fun to put together. I really think some of the fun is in putting them together yourself. I love that you can add which salad veggies you have and like and leave out the ones you’re not so keen on. And I am a MASSIVE fan of serving them with peanut sauce!! I even put some on the inside for extra flavour.

This is a great combo of protein, fats, veggies and carbs to give you energy and nutrients. And amazing flavour to keep the joy in your life.

Ingredients

60g vermicelli rice noodles (optional, or swap for more veggies)
8 rice paper wrappers
250g cooked chicken breast, shredded
or 300g Tofu sliced to about 0.5cm and pan fried
1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cucumber sliced into fingers
1/2 capsicum sliced
1/2 avocado sliced
1/2 bag salad baby mesclun or spinach
1/4 C fresh basil chopped
1/4 C fresh mint chopped
1/4 C fresh coriander chopped

Method

Place the rice noodles in a bowl of warm water to steep until just softened. Rinse thoroughly with cold water so they don't stick together.
Fill a shallow pan with an inch of water. Fold a lint-free tea towel in half and place it next to the dish. Make sure your prepared fillings are within reach.
Place one rice paper in the water and let it rest for about 20 seconds, until it is soft. When the wrapper is soft place on the towel and place a small handful of noodles, the chicken or tofu and salad and herbs in a row across the centre, leaving about 5cm uncovered on each side.
Fold in the uncovered sides of wrapper, then tightly roll to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
Serve with Thai style dipping sauce or satay peanut sauce.