Monday, November 09, 2009

Healthy and Yummy

Finally broke out the packet of rice paper and tried my hand at making Goi Cuon (Vietnamese fresh springrolls). It is so easy and can be very healthy depending on what you put in the spring rolls.
I created mine with crab sticks and I may try filling them with smoked duck breast. In my head it seems to work.

Recipe
10 rice paper wrappers
Lettuce
Cucumber, cut into long slices
Carrot, cut into long slices
mint and cilantro
Glass noodles (soak noodles in hot water and cool under running water)
Crab sticks

Method
In bowl of warm water, dip each rice paper wrapper for about 3-5 seconds (depending on rice paper thickness). Do not over soak your rice paper wrapper! Place on work service and allow rice paper to soak up water and become gelatinous and pliable (about 30 seconds to 1 minute, again, depending on the thickness rice paper).

On top 1/3 side closest to you, lay lettuce on the bottom for added strength to the wrapper. Then place meat, herbs and other vegetables. Roll up spring roll about 1/3 way through, then fold in the sides.

Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
1 cup hoisin sauce (if sauce is thick, add about 1/4 cup warm water to reach desired consistency)
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 Tbs rice vinegar
2 garlic, crushed
1 minced thai chili, or more for desired spiciness

Method
In blender, combine all ingredients for the hoisin peanut dipping sauce. Blend until everything combines smoothly together. If it is too thick, continue adding warm water until desired consistency.

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