Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a popular Asian appetizer filled with a combination of fresh vegetables, protein, and herbs, all wrapped in a delicate rice paper wrapper. Here’s a recipe to help you make delicious spring rolls at home:

Ingredients:

• 8-10 rice paper wrappers
• 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles, soaked in hot water and drained
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup fresh herbs (such as mint leaves, basil leaves, and cilantro)
• 1/2 cup cooked protein (shrimp, chicken, tofu, or a combination)
• Soy sauce or dipping sauce of your choice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare all the filling ingredients by chopping, shredding, and slicing them as mentioned in the ingredients list.
2. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water and rotate it for about 10-15 seconds until it softens and becomes pliable. Be careful not to oversoak the wrapper, as it will become too sticky.
3. Place the softened rice paper wrapper on a clean and damp kitchen towel or a non-stick surface.
4. Start assembling the spring roll by placing a small handful of cooked rice vermicelli noodles on the bottom third of the rice paper wrapper.
5. Layer a few pieces of each filling ingredient on top of the noodles, including shredded lettuce, julienned carrots, sliced cucumber, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and cooked protein.
6. Begin rolling the spring roll by folding the bottom edge of the rice paper wrapper over the filling ingredients. Then, fold the sides inward and continue rolling tightly until the top edge seals the roll.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining rice paper wrappers and filling ingredients.
8. Serve the spring rolls immediately with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Spring rolls can be enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer, light lunch, or snack. Feel free to customize the filling ingredients according to your preference. You can also add a dipping sauce like peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or hoisin sauce for extra flavor.