Mint's fresh flavor brightens these light and delicious Thai-inspired summer rolls.
Serves 4 to 6.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- For the Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (preferably natural)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablepoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lime juice (from about 1/2 lime)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Sriracha
- For the Summer Rolls:
- 8 rice paper wrappers (8-inch diameter)
- 1 small head of Boston or gem lettuce, leaves rinsed and patted dry
- 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and julienned (cut into matchsticks)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned (cut into matchsticks)
- 16 fresh mint leaves, rinsed and patted dry
Preparation:
First, make the sauce. In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter and brown sugar. Add the hot water, and stir until the water is integrated, and the peanut butter takes on a lighter color and smoother, thinner consistency.
Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, and hot sauce, and stir well. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish and set aside.
Next, make the summer rolls. Cover a large cutting board or work surface with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Fill a large, wide bowl with warm water.
Dip a rice paper round into the water, and gently submerge it just until it is pliable, about 10 to 15 seconds. Remove the rice paper from the water, allow excess water to drip off, and place on the towel-lined work surface.
Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of the rice paper round (tear the leaf into pieces if it is large). Place a few peppers, cucumbers, and carrot sticks on top of the lettuce. Tear 2 mint leaves, and sprinkle evenly over the vegetables.
Starting at the vegetable end, roll the rice paper up just enough to cover the vegetables. Fold the ends in, then roll up the rest of the way. Cut roll in half crosswise if desired, and place on a serving platter. Cover the platter lightly with a slightly damp kitchen towel while you make the rest of the summer rolls.
Serve the summer rolls with the dipping sauce. Enjoy!