SUMMER ROLLS
This is perfect for a nice light summer lunch or snack. You can use any fresh veggies that you like and make them with any protein. These are really delicious with Tofu or Shrimp or even better use both! They can be a little daunting to roll up but once you do a few of them it gets much easier. I like to make a roll and them cut them in half. These are perfect with any dipping sauce but my favorite is to dip in a peanut sauce. I will list a recipe for an easy peanut sauce below as well.
Ingredients:
Summer Rolls
1/2 lb cooked, chilled shrimp
6 rice paper wrappers
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 cup sliced zucchini or cucumber
Handful of butter lettuce leaves (or any kind you like)
Handful of micro greens
*Optional additions
cooked rice noodles, chilled
cooked grilled chicken, chilled
tofu, chilled
fresh mint
fresh cilantro
Peanut Sauce
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/4 cup water or more to thin out sauce
Preparation:
Summer Rolls
Prepare all veggies and shrimp in advance of making your summer rolls. The shrimp should be cooked, deveined and tails removed. All veggies should be prepared in long thin slices or shredded. You can leave the lettuce in larger pieces but roughly chopped. Have all your ingredients close by on a large plate or platter so you can easily assemble your summer roll.
Get a large shallow plate or bowl and fill with warm water. Prepare the rice paper wrappers one at a time. Dip the wrapper in the warm water and then flip to wet the other side. Quickly remove from water and place onto a flat workspace. I like to use a wooden cutting board. Fill your rolls anyway you like however it is much prettier to arrange the shrimp and colorful veggies nicely in the middle in a single layer so you can see all the ingredients when they are rolled up. Place lettuce last on top of the shrimp and other veggies. To roll, fold the bottom over the top, then fold in the sides and lastly roll up from the bottom to complete your roll. Slice each roll in half. These are best if you serve immediately. You can use a damp towel on the bottom and top of the finished summer rolls as you are making more so they won't dry out. Serve with peanut sauce and Enjoy!
Peanut Sauce
Place peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and warm slightly in the microwave (about 15 seconds) to melt the peanut butter slightly which will make it easier to stir in the rest of the ingredients. Add each ingredient and stir to combine well. If you feel the sauce it too thick add a tiny bit of water a little at a time until you get your desired consistency.
