Have you ever been to an Asian market? They can usually be found in more urban areas, and some suburban areas as well. You probably can’t read the labels on most ingredients, but don’t let that intimidate you! Take some time to stroll down the aisles and pick up some items you can see yourself cooking with (Or, if you’re really determined, check out some useful Asian dish staples online first). Things like rice noodles or sticks, wonton wrappers, tamarind paste, fish sauce are all awesome items to cook with. If you don’t have an Asian market nearby, give the “ethnic” section in a supermarket a shot.
So, what’s my point? I bought these spring roll wraps a while ago, and finally used them last week. The spring rolls were so easy to make, and were a nice twist to my usual cooking. I was also really excited because my CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box that week had all the ingredients I needed!
I used…
Carrots
Parsnips
Napa cabbage
Cucumber
Cilantro
Green onion/scallion
I cut them all up into match-stick like pieces. I gently cooked the carrots and parsnips until they were softened, but still crunchy. Then I added the cabbage and cooked until just barely wilted. I mixed the other ingredients all together and seasoned gently with black pepper.
Next, I took a round deep plate and put some warm water inside. I put one rice sheet into the water for about 30 seconds, then took it out onto a cutting board (Now is a good time to add a second rice sheet to the water). I put less than ¼ cup of the filling in the center of the rice sheet, then rolled it up like a burrito (fold 2 opposite sides in first, then roll one side over the filling, and roll up).
That’s it! They were done! No need to cook any further, although you could probably steam them to warm up a bit.
If you don’t have a sauce already, I highly suggest making one to add the perfect flavor combination.
I’m really not sure of the measurements I used, but my sauce included peanut butter, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, and a bit of soy sauce. You can also search online for a good dipping sauce recipe.
Don’t be scared—try this out one day! You’ll be so glad you did.
Marina Bedrossian is a Northport, NY dietitian nutritionist who helps people with holistic nutrition solutions and food sensitivities. Visit this page to schedule an appointment and don’t forget to join the private Facebook group “Ingredients For Healthy Families” more information here.