Rice Paper Vegetarian Spring Rolls Recipe (Healthy Summer Rolls)
These vibrant, fresh, and healthy Rice Paper Vegetarian Spring Rolls are perfect for a light meal, appetizer, or snack. Filled with an array of colorful vegetables and tofu, these spring rolls are not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor. They’re paired with a tangy peanut chilli dipping sauce that elevates each bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick healthy lunch or a fun addition to a party platter, these summer rolls are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Rice paper rolls | 8 to 10 pieces |
Tofu (finely chopped) | 100 grams |
Button mushrooms (finely chopped) | 100 grams |
Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum, thinly sliced) | 1/2 |
Raw papaya (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Cucumber (de-seeded) | 1 piece |
Carrot (Gajjar, grated) | 1 piece |
Spring onions (bulb & greens, finely chopped) | 3 to 4 pieces |
Mint leaves (Pudina) | Small bunch |
Rice vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
Red chilli sauce | 1/2 teaspoon |
Honey | 1/2 teaspoon |
Lemon juice (from one small lemon) | To taste |
Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | Small bunch |
Salt | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables & Tofu:
- Begin by preparing all the vegetables for the filling. Start by finely chopping the tofu and button mushrooms.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they have softened and released their moisture. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
- Slice the red bell pepper thinly, grate the raw papaya and carrot, and de-seed the cucumber before slicing it into thin strips.
- Finely chop the spring onions and mint leaves, and set aside. Add all the prepared vegetables and tofu to a large mixing bowl.
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, red chili sauce, honey, and a pinch of salt. Add the lemon juice and coriander leaves and mix well. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want it to be tangy and slightly spicy.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable-tofu mixture, and toss everything together gently until well coated. Set the filling aside.
-
Soften the Rice Paper:
- To soften the rice paper wrappers, fill a wide shallow dish or pan with warm water.
- Gently dip each rice paper sheet into the water for about 20-30 seconds, or until it becomes pliable and soft. Remove the rice paper carefully and lay it flat on a clean, dry surface such as a wooden board.
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Assemble the Spring Rolls:
- Once the rice paper is soft, place a small amount of the vegetable and tofu filling in the center of the rice paper wrapper. Be mindful not to overfill, as you will need space to roll the spring roll neatly.
- Begin by folding both sides of the rice paper over the filling. Then, carefully fold up the bottom edge of the rice paper, covering the filling, and roll upwards towards the top, securing everything inside.
- Repeat this process for the remaining rice paper sheets and filling. Place the finished rolls on a platter and cover them with a damp muslin or kitchen cloth to prevent them from drying out.
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Serve:
- If you plan to serve the spring rolls later, cover the platter with plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
- When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and slice the rolls in half. Serve the rice paper vegetarian spring rolls with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as a spicy peanut-chili sauce, for an added burst of flavor.
Dipping Sauce:
A flavorful dipping sauce enhances the enjoyment of your spring rolls. For a tangy and spicy kick, pair your spring rolls with a homemade peanut chili dipping sauce. Simply whisk together peanut butter, chili sauce, soy sauce, and a dash of honey, and adjust the consistency with water until you reach your desired thickness.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables to suit your taste. Shredded lettuce, avocado slices, or even thinly sliced cabbage can add extra crunch.
- Protein Options: For an extra protein boost, you can replace tofu with grilled tempeh, edamame beans, or even chickpeas.
- Rice Paper Substitutes: If you can’t find rice paper, try using lettuce leaves as an alternative. They provide a fresh, crisp crunch and work great as a low-carb substitute.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount (per roll) |
---|---|
Calories | ~80-90 kcal |
Protein | ~2g |
Carbohydrates | ~15g |
Fiber | ~3g |
Fat | ~2g |
Sodium | ~120mg |
Vitamin A | ~30% of Daily Value |
Vitamin C | ~20% of Daily Value |
These Rice Paper Vegetarian Spring Rolls are a perfect combination of fresh vegetables, light tofu, and aromatic herbs, making them a wholesome and satisfying choice. Enjoy these healthy summer rolls as part of your meal or serve them at your next gathering to impress your guests with a light, yet flavorful dish!