Spring into a lighter season with spring rolls
Thai- and Vietnamese-style spring rolls — the fresh ones that are wrapped in rice paper and not fried — are healthy treats that are fun to eat. Bursting with crunchy, juicy, raw vegetables, leafy herbs and rice noodles, and served with sweet and spicy sauces for dipping and swiping, these two-fisted rolls are delicious and moreish.
As wholesome and satisfying as spring rolls are to consume, they are a bit of a project to make. If you have the time, it's worth the effort. The key to making fresh rolls is to prepare and assemble all the ingredients in advance. This may include a trip to an Asian market or the international section of your supermarket for certain ingredients, such as the rice noodles and paper wraps and special condiments for the dips. Once you assemble the ingredients, you are ready to roll.
Perhaps you are exasperated simply by reading this preface and glancing at the lengthy ingredients list and instructions below. No worries — there is an easy alternative to rolling. For a quick fix, you can simply layer all the filling ingredients listed below in a large bowl and serve them as a salad. Loosen the peanut sauce with a little warm water or extra lime juice and use it as a dressing. It will be a messy jumble that you can call a spring roll salad, and it should hit all the flavor notes; no one will judge. Either way you decide to roll, every bite will be umami-rich and delicious.
Tips 1
The assembled rolls will be sticky and will begin to dry out when exposed to air. To prevent sticking and slow the drying, loosely wrap or cocoon the rolls in lettuce or cabbage leaves.
2
Thai basil is a unique ingredient that contributes to the flavor of the rolls. If unavailable, simply increase the amounts of mint and cilantro.
Vietnamese-style Spring Rolls
Makes 8 to 10 rolls
INGREDIENTS Peanut Sauce:
3/4 cup unsalted creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup warm water 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons Sriracha 1 tablespoon finely grated peeled