Thai Style Summer Rolls

Summer rolls are so ridiculously tasty and the easiest/quickest thing in the world. I love making them for a quick dinner before going out, or as a starter if I have guests. They also make a good lunchbox treat!

They're a great way to use bits of fresh veggies that need to be eaten. You can pretty much put anything in them, and as long as you have a good dressing, they are guaranteed to be delicious!

My favourite way to do them is with a Thai dressing with strong peanut, chilli and garlic flavours. It's also always good to add some seeds or nuts for extra crunch factor.

Ingredients:

3 rice paper sheets
10cm cucumber, sliced into sticks
2 medium carrots, julienned or sliced into sticks
1/2 tin red kidney beans, drained
1/4 green pepper, sliced into sticks
1 handful washed coriander
1 tbs sunflower seeds + 1 tbs pumpkin seeds, toasted

*To toast seeds, toss them in a dry, non-stick pan on high heat for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown

For the Dressing:

1 heaped tsp natural crunchy peanut butter
2 tbs low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp dry chilli flakes
1/2 tsp xylitol
1 tsp lemon juice
Place all ingredients in a small bowl. Use a fork to whisk the dressing so that the peanut butter combines with the rest of the liquids.

Prepare all your vegetables first, and lay them out on a cutting board. Wet one of the rice paper sheets under the tap, making sure the water runs over the entire sheet, back and front, and place it on a dinner plate. The sheet will absorb the water and when it is sticky to the touch (after about a minute), its ready. Place your veggies in the bottom third of the sheet, leaving space to fold the bottom and side edges in. First fold the bottom edge up, then the sides in, and then roll it until it's sealed, tucking the fillings in as you go. Repeat with the remaining sheets.

Slice the rolls in half and serve with a bowl of dipping sauce on the side. Alternately, you can pour the sauce onto the fillings before rolling - good for packed lunches.

Enjoy! xxx