Summer Rolls: A Fresh and Healthy Vietnamese Recipe

Introduction

Summer Rolls, also known as Vietnamese Spring Rolls, are a fresh and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. These rice paper rolls are filled with colorful vegetables, herbs, and protein, and are served with a sweet and savory dipping sauce. They are light, refreshing, and easy to make, which makes them a great option for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make 12 Summer Rolls for 4 people:

• 12 rice paper sheets
• 300g cooked shrimp (or tofu for a vegan version)
• 1 carrot
• 1 cucumber
• 1 avocado
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

1. Prepare all the vegetables by cutting them into small sticks. Rinse the herbs and chop the peanuts.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and lime juice. Set aside.

3. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for 5-10 seconds, until it softens. Place the rice paper sheet on a clean surface.

4. Arrange some shrimp, vegetables, herbs, and peanuts on the bottom third of the rice paper sheet. Leave some space on the sides.

5. Fold the sides of the rice paper sheet towards the center, then roll the bottom of the sheet tightly over the filling. Continue rolling until the end of the sheet. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

6. Serve the Summer Rolls with the dipping sauce on the side.

Variations

• Vegan: Replace the shrimp with tofu or tempeh, or use only vegetables for a vegan version.
• Gluten-free: Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
• Low-carb: Skip the rice paper sheets and use lettuce leaves instead. Fill them with the same ingredients and dipping sauce.
• Sauce variations: You can also serve the Summer Rolls with peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or fish sauce.

Conclusion

Summer Rolls are a delicious and healthy Vietnamese dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. They are easy to make, versatile, and can be customized to your taste preferences. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegan, a gluten-free eater, or a low-carb follower, you can enjoy these fresh and colorful rolls.

FAQ

What are Summer Rolls?

Summer rolls are a type of Vietnamese appetizer that consist of rice paper wrappers filled with vegetables, herbs, and sometimes meat or seafood.

Are Summer Rolls gluten-free?

Yes, summer rolls are typically gluten-free as they are made with rice paper wrappers instead of wheat-based wrappers.

Can I make Summer Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make summer rolls ahead of time but it is recommended to only make them a few hours in advance as the rice paper can dry out and become brittle.

What type of vegetables can I use in my Summer Rolls?

You can use any type of vegetables in your summer rolls, but some popular choices include carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, lettuce, and avocado.

Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with another protein such as chicken, tofu, or thinly sliced beef.

How do I soften the rice paper wrappers?

To soften the rice paper wrappers, dip them in warm water for a few seconds until they become pliable.

Can I store leftover Summer Rolls?

Yes, you can store leftover summer rolls in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It is recommended to wrap them in damp paper towels to prevent the rice paper from drying out.

What dipping sauce goes well with Summer Rolls?

A popular dipping sauce for summer rolls is a peanut dipping sauce made with peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice.

Can I make Summer Rolls vegan?

Yes, you can make vegan summer rolls by omitting the shrimp and using tofu or tempeh as a protein source. You can also use a vegan dipping sauce instead of a peanut sauce.

Are Summer Rolls spicy?

Summer rolls are typically not spicy, but you can add some heat by adding sliced jalapeno or a spicy dipping sauce.