Fresh Vegetarian Rolls With Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce…

I had an amazing weekend enjoying a cottage with friends and did not have a chance to write a post for this week.  After overindulging, I am going to take on a mainly raw food diet this week and cleanse my body of its toxins.  Lots of fresh salads, chopped up veggies and fruits…like a reset button for my body! I thought I would share a recipe that I will be making…a great vegetarian meal that you can enjoy alone or with a fresh green salad:)

Fresh Vegetarian Rolls with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

Servings: approx 8 rolls

For the filling:

• Spring Roll Wrappers (at least 8-10)
• 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu
• 1/2 English cucumber, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 2 medium carrots, peeled & julienned
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3-4 lettuce leaves, julienned
• 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, minced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, thick stems removed and minced
• 1/3 cup roasted & salted peanuts
• Herbamare or sea salt, to season

For the peanut lime sauce:

• 1-2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup natural roasted peanut butter
• 1/2-1 tbsp peeled & roughly chopped fresh ginger
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp low sodium tamari
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1-3 tsp water, to thin out as needed

1. Press the tofu while you prepare the filling and sauce. For pressing instructions, see here.

2. For the filling: Julienne the vegetables (slice into long thin strips). Set aside, along with peanuts.

3. For the sauce: In a mini processor, process the sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust to taste. You may prefer more sweetener, tamari, oil, or lime juice. Or mince everything by hand and whisk.

4. Slice pressed tofu into long thin strips. You likely won’t need the entire block.

5. Set up a roll making station and gather all of your ingredients in one area. Place a tea towel on the counter and fill a very large bowl with hot tap water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water and carefully submerge it once it gets soft. Hold it under water for about 10 seconds, or until soft, and remove from water carefully. Place it onto the tea towel and unfold any corners that may have rolled up.

6. Add the filling ingredients in the centre of the wrapper (see pictures in post). Be careful not to overfill or the wrappers will tear. Sprinkle with peanuts and a sprinkle of salt.

7. Roll the two sides of the rice wrapper inward and then flip the bottom over top the filling and roll forward. Place roll on a plate and cover with damp paper towels. Repeat for the rest.

ENJOY!!