vietnamese spring rolls.

 

photo via  design*sponge

So I made these little beauties for dindin tonight. Needless to say they were a huge hit, and easy to boot! This was one of the recipes featured on design*sponge's new recipe section. The author is Giao Trac of Kiss my Spatula, a super yummy blog that also has the most beautiful photography. Who doesn't want to learn how to make homeade goat cheese, or butter for that matter? I can't wait to try out more of her recipes!

Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Sauce
For the vegetarians/vegans out there, feel free to substitute the shrimp with grilled tofu. And for all you carnivores, simply add grilled pork, beef or chicken. In addition, mix and match any of your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
For the rolls:
** 1 lb. fresh shrimp
** 1 cucumber, cut into thin, long strips
** 1 red pepper, cut into thin long strips
** 1 head of green lettuce, any kind
** 1 bunch cilantro
** 1 bunch mint
** Rice paper
** Rice vermicelli noodles
For the dipping sauce:
** 1 large clove garlic, minced
** 1 tsp olive oil
** 1/4 cup organic peanut butter
** 2 tsp. hoison sauce
** 1/4 cup water (more if needed)
** Sriracha chili sauce (optional)

Method
Bring a saucepan to a boil on medium heat. Add shrimp and poach for 3-4 minutes until bright pink. Allow to cool to room temperature. Remove skins, devein and slice in half crosswise. Set aside. Bring a medium saucepan filled halfway with water to a boil. Once a rapid boil is reached, add rice vermicelli noodles, cover and immediately remove from heat. Set timer for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, drain noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Allow to dry at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Meanwhile, begin to prepare the dipping sauce. Heat a small small saucepan with olive oil on medium-low heat. Add garlic and saute quickly, about 20 seconds. Do not let garlic burn. Add peanut butter and hoisin sauce and continue to stir. When sauce begins to incorporate and thickens up, add water. Adjust to taste and continue to add water, 1 tbsp. at a time, if it becomes too thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
To assemble rolls, dip single sheets of rice paper into hot water. Allow excess water to drain and quickly place on a plate. Once rice paper becomes pliable and soft, add shrimp, softened noodles, cucumbers, red peppers, cilantro and mint. Carefully roll closed and slice in half. Serve with hoisin peanut dipping sauce.