Fresh Rolls

I'm not going to lie, these things are a bitch to make. But once in a while...they're oh so worth it. I was first exposed to these super fresh, super tasty little rolls at a small Thai hole-in-the-wall, in the sweet city of Portland, Maine. Never thinking about the how-to's, I was re-exposed during my time on Maui where we made them ourselves. Being fish eating "vegetarians" we used insanely fresh ahi tuna. Nowadays...living in Sweden and eating a little more meat, I use chicken. One could also use tofu or go really raw and avocado it up. Anyway you dish em, they're delectable. You can find all ingredients at your local Asian foods market. So go there and buy everything you can find.

Needs:

Rice Paper

1/2 a package of Rice Noodles

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small strips

Fresh Sugar Snap Peas

3 Grated Carrots

1 European Cucumber, diced

Fresh or Frozen Mango

1 Bunch of Fresh Mint, finely chopped

1 Bunch of Fresh Coriander, finely chopped

2 tbl Olive Oil

1 tbl Grated Ginger

1 small Red Chili Pepper, diced

Squirt of Lime Juice

Thai Chili Sauce

To Do:

-Fry chicken (or tofu) in olive oil, lime juice, ginger and chili...set aside.

-Prepare all of your veg.

-Cook rice noodles according to instructions, drain and set side.

-Soak each rice paper in hot water for about 30 seconds, remove from water and hang over a large bowl or pot to dry. Make sure your papers are completely dry before using. They should be relatively sticky in order for them to hold together. This is the tough part, and it does take some time. Once good and sticky, carefully place one on a large plate. Place about 2 tbl worth of noodles in center of paper, leaving at least 1 inch on either end. Pour a small amount of chili sauce over noodles, add a few strips of chicken, cucumber, carrot, mango, peas, coriander and mint.

-Start by folding each end over your filling, then carefully fold one side and roll.

-Makes 15 rolls

Note:

Start out with less filling rather than more. These do take a bit of practice before reaching perfection. The more you do, the better they become.