Winter Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

January 30, 2020

 

We're too obsessed with summer rolls to confine them just to the summer months. So that's exactly why we've shone an extra-special spotlight on these vegan winter rolls! Substituting the traditional inclusion of shrimp for tofu, this recipe gives us a terrific excuse to showcase the brightness of flavor found in winter produce like that from Local Roots organic farms. Besides, this sauce is so delicious you’ll want to eat it with a spoon, and the whole thing happens to be gluten free (just use gluten free soy sauce)! Plus, this recipe lends itself to endless variations—think of it as a guideline. It also works for make-ahead meals and lunch boxes. Substitute sunflower butter for peanut butter for an allergy safe recipe.

 

Ingredients:

1 package round spring roll rice wrappers (the ones used were 22 cm. but any size is OK. You want the dry ones, sometimes also called Spring Roll Skin)

1 dozen Local Roots shiitake mushrooms, sliced thinly (substitute any mushroom of choice, or sliced tofu)

Toasted sesame oil

6 scallions, halved and then sliced vertically into approx. 3” strips

2 large Local Roots carrots, cut into very thin matchsticks (julienne)

6 Local Roots tuscan kale leaves (AKA lacinato), sliced crosswise into very thin ribbons about 2” - 3” long

4 red cabbage leaves, sliced crosswise into very thin ribbons about 2” - 3” long

2 large Jerusalem artichokes (AKA sunchokes), peeled and sliced into very thin matchsticks. (Note: they are knobbly so no need for perfection!)

1 medium pink daikon radish or similar, sliced into very thin matchsticks

Optional: cooked rice vermicelli noodles

 

Directions:

1. In a medium skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and sauté sliced mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown a bit. Sprinkle soy sauce on lightly to taste, and add a bit more oil if they seem dry. The idea is to bring up the flavor but not overwhelm it. Sauté mushrooms for a total of 5-7 minutes, or until they are browning slightly and a little toasty
2. Clear a work surface and have all your chopped vegetables handy. In a shallow pan or platter put some warm water for soaking wrappers. You’ll only need to soak for about 30 seconds to a minute, so work on one at a time. After the soaked wrapper becomes pliable, move it to a clean plate and smooth it out. Arrange sliced vegetables (and rice vermicelli if you are using) vertically to your liking, taking up the center third of the wrapper and leaving about an inch at the top and the bottom. Think in terms of colored stripes, packing the strips close together with a somewhat even distribution. I like to make 2 layers, but there are no rules! Get creative! It will taste good no matter how it looks.
3. Fold top and bottom inward and slightly over the vegetable ends. Then, fold the left side tightly over the vegetables like a book. Tuck in that end snugly around the vegetables and begin rolling the whole thing toward the remaining loose end until it is closed. The wrapper will naturally stick to itself to seal. Serve with peanut sauce or preferred sauce. Keeps for at least a day, covered, in the refrigerator.

 

Peanut Sauce:

Yield: 1 cup

Ingredients:

1/2 cup smooth, unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter (stir well if it’s the natural kind)

2” piece ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

1 garlic clove, roughly chopped

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup toasted sesame oil

3 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons rice vinegar (unsweetened)

4 tablespoons hot water, as needed

Optional: a dash of hot sauce

 

Instructions:

Put all ingredients except water in the blender and whir until smooth. Add hot water at the end, as needed to lighten and loosen the sauce a bit. Add it a bit at a time until you get the consistency you like. Serve at room temperature. Keeps for at least a week in the refrigerator.

Recipe by Local Roots New Yorker Claiborne Milde @butteredbreadblog www.cwmilde.com

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