Fresh Spring Rolls

 I love fresh spring rolls. They're messy and tricky to roll but oh so easy and refreshing.

Adapted from: https://cookieandkate.com/fresh-spring-rolls-recipe/ 

I am growing mint and loved the refreshing addition to these.  Must try!

Oh and have to have the sauce!

Spring Rolls

• 2 ounces rice vermicelli or maifun brown rice noodles (I forgot to get these)
• 1 cup torn butter lettuce, ribs removed (skipped)
• 1 cup very thinly sliced red cabbage
• thinly sliced green cabbage (its what we had)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into skinny matchsticks 
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced or sliced into strips 
• 2 medium jalapeños, ribs and seeds removed, thinly sliced (skipped)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
• handful fresh cilantro (prefer just leaves)
• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh mint
• 8 or more sheets rice paper (the dry stuff very thin depending on brand)
• 1 red pepper julienned
• 1 avocado thinly sliced
• small bowl of medium shrimp precooked, deveined, tail on or off but take off tail, rinsed under cold water and drained

• Peanut Sauce

• ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 2 to 3 tablespoons water, as needed
• Panda Express Sweet Chili Sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare sauce and fillings. You can include what you have or add what you like. 
2. To make the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, agave, sesame oil, and garlic. Whisk in 2 to 3 tablespoons water, as needed to make a super creamy but dip-able sauce.
3. Fill a 9″ round cake pan with a 1/2 inch of water.  Make sure your prepared fillings are within reach. 
4. Place one rice paper in the water and let it rest for about 20 seconds, give or take. You’ll learn to go by feel here—wait until the sheet is pliable but not super floppy. Carefully lay it flat on a big plate.
5. Place shrimp, herbs and other fillings in center. Squish to center and fold in edges and roll (like a burrito).
6. We make them as we eat them at the dinner table. They're good without shrimp too.
7. Serve the spring rolls with peanut sauce on the side or drizzled inside. We also like it with the Panda Express sweet chili sauce for a kick mixed into the peanut sauce.