Spring Rolls recipe

Spring rolls are a delightful and versatile dish, perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer. Here's a basic recipe for fresh spring rolls:

Ingredients

• Rice Paper Wrappers: 8-10
• Vermicelli Noodles: 100 grams, cooked and cooled
• Shrimp: 200 grams, cooked and sliced in half (optional)
• Fresh Herbs: Mint, basil, cilantro, as desired
• Lettuce: A few leaves, torn into smaller pieces
• Vegetables: Julienned carrots, cucumber, bell peppers
• Dipping Sauce: Hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or a mix of fish sauce with lime juice and sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fillings:

   • Cook the Vermicelli Noodles: Boil them according to the package instructions, drain, and let them cool.
   • Prepare the Shrimp: If using shrimp, boil until cooked, then slice them in half lengthwise. You can also use chicken, pork, tofu, or just keep it vegetarian.
   • Chop the Vegetables and Herbs: Julienne the carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers. Chop the herbs and lettuce.

2. Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers:

   • Fill a large dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for a few seconds until it starts to soften. Don’t soak it for too long as it will continue to soften as you prepare the roll.

3. Assemble the Spring Rolls:

   • Lay the softened wrapper on a clean, wet cloth.
   • Place a small amount of noodles, herbs, lettuce, and vegetables in the center. Add a few pieces of shrimp on top if using.
   • Fold the sides of the wrapper inward, then tightly roll the wrapper, starting from the bottom, around the filling.

4. Serve with Dipping Sauce:

   • Serve the spring rolls with your choice of dipping sauce such as hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or a traditional fish sauce mixture.

Tips

• Don't Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the spring rolls, as this can make them difficult to roll and cause the wrappers to tear.
• Keep Wrappers Moist: Keep a damp cloth or paper towel handy to keep the wrappers moist while working.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with the fillings. Common additions include avocado, mango, or different types of herbs and proteins.
• Serve Fresh: Spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, as the rice paper tends to harden when refrigerated.

Enjoy your homemade spring rolls!