Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Spring Rolls Recipe With Peanut Dipping Sauce

Step 1: To begin making Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Spring Rolls Recipe With Peanut Dipping Sauce, wash and clean cilantro and mint leaves well

Step 2: Pick the mint leaves off the stems; discard the stems

Step 3: Roughly chop the cilantro

Step 4: Julienne all the veggies and tofu/paneer

Step 5: If you like, you can sprinkle some salt and pepper on the carrots, cucumbers and bell peppers and mix gently; I avoided them as I love the freshness and taste of these raw vegetables

Step 6: Now, to prepare the tofu/paneer stuffing, in a mixing bowl, mix tofu/paneer strips with soy sauce, chilli flakes and salt to taste (only if adding)

Step 7: Marinate for about 10 to 15 minutes

Step 8: Meanwhile when the tofu/paneer is marinating, you can proceed with making the peanut dipping sauce and keep it ready to serve with the spring rolls

Step 9: Once the tofu/paneer is marinated, in a small nonstick saucepan, heat a teaspoon of oil

Step 10: Add marinated tofu/paneer

Step 11: Stir fry on high heat for 1 to 2 minutes

Step 12: Take care not to break the tofu/paneer strips

Step 13: Remove from heat and let it cool

Step 14: This high heat stir fry/ searing helps in bringing in a smoky flavour to the absorbed spices

Step 15: To assemble the rolls:Work with one rice paper at a time

Step 16: Soften the rice paper sheet according to the instructions on the packet

Step 17: (The rice paper I used just needed to be dipped in water for about 20 to 25 seconds, and then placed on a towel to drain excess water)

Step 18: You will want them soft but still firm and pliable

Step 19: Place the wet sheet on a flat plate or chopping board

Step 20: Gently place few strips of carrots, bell pepper, cucumbers, a small tablespoon of cilantro and some mint leaves in the center of the wet rice paper sheet

Step 21: Place a few strips of stir fried marinated tofu/paneer along with the veggies

Step 22: (Do not over fill since it will be difficult to make rolls)Now, the bring sides over to the center over the filling

Step 23: Next, starting from the bottom, bring up and start rolling to bring them to rolls

Step 24: Roll up the filled rice paper to form a cylindrical roll; like a burrito

Step 25: Seal the edges; the rice paper will instantly stick as it is moist

Step 26: You want a fairly tight roll so that the vegetable fillings do not fall out

Step 27: Continue doing the same with rest of the rice paper sheets

Step 28: (While you are working with each roll, cover the prepared rolls with a wet cloth)

Step 29: To make the peanut dipping sauce:In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, chilli sauce/sriracha sauce along with the lemon juice

Step 30: Adjust the chilli sauce and lime juice to suit your taste

Step 31: Whisk in 2 to 3 tablespoons of warm water until you get the desired consistency of dipping

Step 32: Garnish with crushed peanuts and keep it aside till the spring rolls are ready

Step 33: Serve Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Spring Rolls Recipe With Peanut Dipping Sauce for a light dinner along with a hearty soup like Fennel Turmeric Walnut Soup With Apple And Raw Mango Recipe or Cream of Mushroom & Spring Onion Soup Recipe

Step 34: It can be served along with tomato sauce and other party appetizers as well