SUSHI SPRING ROLLS

Spring rolls, inspired by sushi! As the weather warms up, lighter dishes featuring more fresh ingredients seamlessly integrate into our cooking. Today, I made sushi-inspired spring rolls. This easy and delightful idea is perfect for your lunch or dinner, suitable for weekends or celebrations, as everyone enjoys this dish - kids, adults, vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Ingredients

• Carrots

• Cucumbers

• Bell pepper (optional)

• Tofu (plain, unseasoned, firm)

• Thin rice noodles

• Rice paper

• Sprouts

• Fresh mint / cilantro leaves

• Soy sauce

Instructions

I cut the tofu into strips and marinate it in soy sauce for at least 10 minutes.

I arrange the tofu pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch each other, and then bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes.

I slice the vegetables into thin strips (I use a mandoline for the carrots and cucumbers and a knife for the bell peppers).

I pour boiling water over the rice noodles and let them sit for about 5 minutes. After that, I rinse everything under cold water.

Rolling:

I start by preparing the spring rolls. I pour water into a separate wide bowl. I dip the rice paper into the water and hold it there for about 30 seconds. The paper should become flexible and easy to fold, but not too soft. I take it out and lay it on a wooden board or countertop.

Next, I place all the prepared ingredients in the center of the paper (a little below the actual center). To make it visually appealing when rolled, I start by adding the herbs (mint and cilantro) first - this way, the final roll will have a much more attractive appearance.

I then fold the bottom up, tuck in one side, then the other side, and finally roll it up from the bottom towards the top.

I repeat this process until I have made enough rolls for everyone who will be eating.

I prepare one or more sauces (according to your preferences) and serve them. These rolls pair well with soy sauce, Asian sweet and sour sauce, herbal sauce, spicy mango sauce, peanut sauce and more.

P.S. While enjoying the spring rolls, you can also wrap them in Nori sheets for an extra sushi-inspired twist :)

BON APPETIT!