Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Description
These Hearty Veggie Rolls are fresh, colorful, and packed with nutrients. They feature a combination of crunchy vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and fragrant herbs, all wrapped in rice paper and paired with a creamy, nutty peanut sauce. Perfect for a light lunch, snack, or appetizer, these rolls are both vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
For the Veggie Rolls:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli noodles (optional)
- 1 cup tofu, sliced into strips (or substitute with tempeh or cooked shrimp)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to adjust consistency)
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and chop all vegetables into thin, uniform strips.
- Cook the tofu by pan-frying it in a little oil until golden brown (if using).
- Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions (if using).
Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Add warm water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable.
- Place the softened wrapper on a clean surface.
- Arrange a small portion of each vegetable, tofu, herbs, and noodles (if using) in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly like a burrito.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the veggie rolls with the peanut sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Tips for Success
✔ Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables enhance the flavor and texture.
✔ Don’t overfill the rolls: Overstuffing makes them hard to roll and may cause tearing.
✔ Keep the wrappers moist: Work quickly so they don’t dry out. Cover with a damp towel if needed.
✔ Adjust the peanut sauce: If it’s too thick, add more water. If too thin, add more peanut butter.
✔ Experiment with fillings: Try adding mango, cooked shrimp, or chickpeas for variation.
Servings & Nutritional Information
Servings: Makes 4 servings (2 rolls per person)
Per Serving (2 rolls + sauce):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 430mg
Health Benefits
🌿 Rich in Vitamins: Carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage provide Vitamin A, C, and K for immunity and skin health.
🌱 High in Fiber: Helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
🥑 Healthy Fats: Avocado and peanut butter provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
🌾 Plant-Based Protein: Tofu and peanut sauce contribute to muscle repair and energy levels.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel over them to prevent drying out. Eat within 24 hours.
Q: What can I use instead of rice paper?
A: You can use lettuce leaves or collard greens as a wrapper for a low-carb alternative.
Q: How can I make this nut-free?
A: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Q: Can I add meat or seafood?
A: Absolutely! Cooked shrimp or grilled chicken work great in these rolls.
Q: What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
A: You can replace it with extra soy sauce and a dash of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
Would you like any modifications, such as making it spicier or adding a specific ingredient? 😊