Get More Veggies – Roll with it.
Spring rolls are versatile Asian dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. They are an excellent way to add vegetables to any meal.
Making them at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but achieving the perfect roll without them falling apart can be challenging. Here’s a foolproof method to ensure your spring rolls turn out picture-perfect and chalked full of veggies.
1. Prep your fillings: Gather your choice of vegetables. Julienne the vegetables.
2. Assemble the rolls: Soak rice paper sheets individually in cool water until pliable.
Place the softened sheet on a clean (dry) surface and layer the fillings diagonally in the center. Be mindful not to overstuff the rolls to prevent them from bursting.
3. Roll it up: Fold the sides of the rice paper over the fillings and tightly roll from bottom to top. Apply gentle pressure to secure the filling and ensure a compact roll.
Seal the edges: Before finishing the roll, moisten the top edge of the rice paper with a little water. This will act as glue to seal the roll and prevent it from unraveling.
Ingredients: Any colorful and crunchy vegetable.
Some ideas:
- radishes
- carrots
- sweet peas
- red onion (sliced very thin)
- scallions
- Romain lettuce
- cucumber
- basil
- cilantro
- eatable flowers – rose petals, nasturtiums, marigolds, snapdragons,
Served with your favorite dipping sauce: Thai peanut, teriyaki, chili hoisin or gyoza sauce (a little bit spicy).
A few tips for successful spring rolls
1. Soak the rice wrappers in water but ONLY for about 10 seconds. You don’t want them to get too wet. Just enough to be pliable.
2. If you have trouble sealing the spring rolls, try a cornstarch slurry, by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water. Apply a small amount along the wrapper’s edge before sealing. This acts as an adhesive and prevents the spring rolls from unraveling.
3. When rolling work quickly and make them as tight as possible. If you want small bite size pieces you can cut the wrappers before rolling.
4. Prevent sticking and tearing by placing the wrapper on a clean, damp towel or plate.
5. High-quality Wrappers: Start with fresh, high-quality spring roll wrappers, readily available at Asian markets or supermarkets. These thin, translucent sheets are the foundation of your spring rolls.
Enjoy your adding vegetables to your diet without even trying.