Summer Goodies: Rice Paper Rolls

Rice paper rolls are the best. I love the consistency of rice paper wraps. They are perfect for summer. Whether it be for a picnic or just a nice and relaxed meal at home. The weather has been extremely hot here in New York. It seems as though the hotter it gets, the more fiercely humid it becomes. Sometimes leaving any air-conditioned space feels like a torture tactic. It makes me miss the breezy, cool, early summer weather that I left in the Netherlands just a little bit.

Fortunately, even when it is so hot, there are still so many easy, fun and light foods for summer. Rice Paper Rolls are one of my favorites. It is so versatile and you can use any fillings of your choice.

You should be able to find rice paper wraps from a Chinese store in your city. They are usually fairly cheap.

How to use Rice Paper wraps?

• When you first get them they are hard and easily breakable. 
• To soften them, fill up a large enough bowl with cold water.
• One at a time, place the rice paper in the water for 10 seconds (or until softened).
• When softened place on a clean surface were you can use them. 
• Handle the softened paper with care because they are easy to tear.

p.s. Only soften the Rice Paper as you need it. Sometimes its better to use two Rice Papers for one roll to make the wrap harder to tear. 

 Now you're ready to make your wraps.

Serves 2 (Makes about 10 wraps)

• 1 large Red Bell Pepper
• 1 large Carrot
• 2-3 stalks of Celery
• 1 small Cucumber
• 1 Chili Pepper (Optional)
• 1 large Chicken Breast
• 10-20 rice paper wraps

Instructions:

1. Slice all the ingredients (except the wraps of course).
2. Soften one or two Rice Paper wraps.
3. Fill the wrap with your ingredients of choice. (Make sure not to overfill them.)
4. Roll it up as you would a spring roll.

Repeat this until all the ingredients are finished. 

I served mine with a summer side salad and I used balsamic vinegar as a dip for my rolls. You can use any kind of summery dips. Salad dressing can work as great dips for these rolls. Or you can be creative and make your own kind of dip mixture.

I hope you enjoy it. Be sure to try it out with different kinds of fillings.

What has been some of your favorite summer dishes so far?

Xx

Rati