| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 140 | 4g | 0.6g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 5g | 5g | 0.65g |
The Napa Cabbage Spring Rolls, one of my personal favorites, is a vegetarian’s delight. It’s not only delectable but also a gastronomic revelation of the harmonious blend of diverse flavors and textures. With salad-like freshness, an endearing crunch, and an exotic tropical touch from the inclusion of sliced mangoes, this recipe is a testimony to my basic culinary principle- food that appeals to your taste buds and contributes to your well-being.
Health and Flavor Hand-in-Hand
Say goodbye to the misbelief that healthy food is bland and boring. Each ingredient of the Napa Cabbage Spring Rolls is a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. While Napa cabbage plays a significant role in promoting gut health, the julienned trio of carrot, bell pepper, and cucumber brings in an array of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers to the table. The thinly sliced mangoes add a nice play of sweet and sour, while also being a great source of Vitamin C. And let’s not overlook the trio of fresh leaves – mint, cilantro, and basil – which pack a punch of flavor along with their known detoxifying properties. All the while, a hint of hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes gives each mouthful an authentic Asian flavor profile.
A Dip into My Culinary Roots
Though markedly different from the customary tapas I grew up with, these spring rolls certainly remind me of my roots. The bright freshness of the ingredients sings to the palate in the same way traditional Mediterranean mezze and Caribbean fruit-laden plates do. You can pair these spring rolls with other Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fried chili chicken for a well-rounded meal or simply with a classic Mai Tai if you’re in a mood for tropical-themed cocktail hour. The best part? The entire family can help in creating these healthy rolls, turning meal preparation into a fun bonding activity.
All in all, these Napa Cabbage Spring Rolls stand as a testament to my belief in food being more than sustenance. It should be a delightful exploration of flavors, a meeting point for loved ones to bond over and, most importantly, a nourishing feast for good health.
What You’ll Need
- 6 large Napa cabbage leaves
- 1 medium-sized carrot, julienned
- 1 medium-sized bell pepper, julienned
- 1 medium-sized cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup of thinly sliced mango
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp of low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp of rice vinegar
- 1 tsp of sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup of crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your vegetables. Julienne the carrot, bell pepper, and cucumber. Thinly slice the mango. Set these aside for later.
Step Two
Take your Napa cabbage leaves and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. If the leaves are too large, you can cut them in half.
Step Three
Pick the leaves from your fresh mint, cilantro, and basil. You want about a half cup of each but if you like more, feel free to add as much as you desire.
Step Four
Now, let’s prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine. If you like a little heat, add in the crushed red pepper flakes.
Step Five
Take one of the Napa cabbage leaves and lay it flat on your work surface. Layer on the julienned carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and mango slices. Top these with a few mint, cilantro, and basil leaves. Be careful not to overfill or it might be difficult to roll.
Step Six
Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf and then roll it up like a burrito, starting from the end that’s closest to you. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and fillings.
Step Seven
Lastly, drizzle some of the sauce over each cabbage roll. If you’d like, sprinkle over some crushed peanuts for a crunchy contrast. Serve immediately and enjoy your Napa Cabbage Spring Rolls!
