Roll into Summer: Vibrant Veggie Rice Paper Wraps
Hey there, food lovers! Chef Sunny here, back with a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Forget slaving over a hot stove; we're diving into the world of fresh, no-cook delights with these incredible Pad Thai-inspired summer rolls. Perfect for those days when the sun is shining and the last thing you want to do is cook. I mean, who wouldn't want more time lounging in the sun?
We all love a good transformation, right? Well, these summer rolls are like the culinary equivalent of a home makeover. We're taking simple ingredients and rolling them up into something utterly vibrant and satisfying. If you follow my stories, you may know I just finished a major renovation, and just like that project this is a real achievement. So let’s take on a mini-project in the kitchen, it's much less messy and just as rewarding.
The Joy of No-Cook Cooking
What’s so great about this recipe? It’s the ultimate no-cook wonder! No oven, no stovetop – just a bit of chopping and rolling. This means more time for you to enjoy the sunshine, read a book, or maybe even take on a DIY project!
Why These Summer Rolls Rock
- Fresh & Light: Packed with crisp veggies and delicate rice noodles, these are the perfect antidote to heavy meals.
- Customizable: Don’t like red peppers? Swap them out! These rolls are your blank canvas.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and bursting with goodness.
- Fun to Make: Get the whole family involved in the rolling process! It’s like edible arts and crafts.
Let's Get Rolling!
What You'll Need
For the Dipping Sauce
- 6 juicy Medjool dates (for that touch of sweetness)
- 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter (or almond butter for a twist)
- 3-4 tbsp tamarind concentrate (adjust to taste – it’s all about the balance!)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (the secret to umami)
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 tsp grated ginger (for a zingy kick)
For the Summer Rolls
- 20 rice paper wrappers (the perfect edible canvas)
- A handful of fresh coriander or mint (for that aromatic lift)
- 75g vermicelli rice noodles, cooked (the heart of the roll)
- A small wedge of red cabbage, finely shaved (for crunch and color)
- 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks (more crunch!)
- 1 small cucumber, deseeded and cut into matchsticks (cool and refreshing)
- ½ red pepper, cut into matchsticks (sweet and vibrant)
- ½ yellow pepper, cut into matchsticks (more sweetness and colour)
- A handful of sugar snap peas, thinly sliced (for extra texture)
The Method
Dipping Sauce
- Soak the pitted dates in boiling water for 15 minutes to get them nice and soft. We don't want any date based tooth-breaking incidents!
- Blend the soaked dates with peanut butter, 3 tbsp of tamarind, soy sauce/tamari, and 6 tbsp of water until smooth. Add the garlic and ginger and blend again. Adjust to taste with more tamarind, soy sauce/tamari, water as needed. Make sure you sieve that tamarind concentrate, it is often not as seedless as you may think!
Summer Rolls
- Fill a bowl with cold water. Rehydrate one rice paper wrapper at a time by dipping it into the water for about 15 seconds. Place it on a flat surface – a damp towel or granite worktop.
- Place a couple of mint or coriander leaves in the center of the wrapper, add some rice noodles and a small amount of each veggie. Don't go too crazy, we want to be able to roll it up!
- Fold the sides over and start rolling from the bottom. Keep it tight! Practice makes perfect here, don’t worry about the odd lumpy one, it will taste just as good.
- Repeat until all your ingredients or wrappers are gone.
- Slice the rolls in half and get ready to dip!
Chef’s Notes
- Adjust the veggie matchstick lengths to fit your rice paper wrappers for easy rolling.
- Don’t over-soak the rice paper, it softens as you go.
Final Thoughts
These Pad Thai Summer Rolls are more than just a meal, they're an experience. A celebration of fresh flavours, textures and the joy of simple, healthy food. So, why not give them a go? You might just find your new favourite no-cook recipe!
And don't forget, if you whip these up, be sure to share them with me on my socials! I love seeing your versions.
Happy rolling, everyone!
Nutritional Information (per roll)
- Calories: 80
- Sugars: 5g
- Fats: 1g
- Saturates: 0g
- Proteins: 2g
- Carbs: 16g