Spring packages

Spring rolls with delicious filling

I invite you to discover the magic of spring rolls, a crispy appetizer full of flavor that harmoniously combines fresh vegetables with juicy meat and Asian spices. These rolls are perfect for a dinner with friends, a party, or simply to indulge yourself after a long day. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be adapted to your preferences. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (approximately 12 rolls)

Filling ingredients:

- 1/2 small white cabbage
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 3-4 slices of ham or 300 g ground chicken
- 1 leek
- 4-5 assorted mushrooms
- 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of thin pastry sheets
- 300 ml oil for frying

Ingredients for sweet and sour sauce:

- 3 tablespoons rice or wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons raw sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Juice from 2 oranges
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or another preferred oil)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 5-6 tablespoons of water

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Start by preparing the filling for the spring rolls. Finely chop the cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, leek, garlic, and mushrooms. If using chicken, ensure it is well ground to mix evenly with the vegetables. A personal note: I prefer to add shiitake mushrooms for a richer flavor, but you can use any type of mushrooms you like.

In a wok, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken or ham and cook until golden. Then, add the chopped vegetables: carrots, cabbage, leek, garlic, mushrooms, and sliced bell peppers. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Cook everything for about a minute on high heat, stirring constantly, until the vegetables are slightly tender and the liquid evaporates.

Step 2: Assemble the rolls

Open the package of pastry sheets and cut them into squares of about 10 cm by 10 cm. It is important to work quickly so the sheets do not dry out. On each square, place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center. Then, fold the side corners diagonally, bringing the side closest to you together with the overlapping corners, and roll tightly. It is essential to seal the roll well to avoid leaks during frying.

Step 3: Fry the rolls

In a deep pan, heat the remaining oil (approximately 300 ml) over high heat. Test the oil temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it sizzles, it's ready! Fry the rolls for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Be careful, they fry very quickly! After frying, remove them and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the sweet and sour sauce

To accompany the rolls, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, mix all the ingredients: vinegar, raw sugar, tomato sauce, soy sauce, orange juice, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. This sauce will add a delicious note of acidity and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spring rolls.

Helpful tips:

- You can experiment with the filling by adding other vegetables like zucchini, baby carrots, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- If you don't have pastry sheets, you can use tortillas to create a different version, but the frying time will vary.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the rolls to achieve a crispy texture.
- These rolls can be frozen before frying. Arrange them on a plate and place them in the freezer, then transfer them to a plastic bag. When you are ready to prepare them, fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

Each serving of spring rolls contains approximately 320 calories, but this number may vary depending on the ingredients used. These rolls are a good source of vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables, and the chicken will provide essential proteins.

I recommend serving the spring rolls with a refreshing drink, such as green tea or even a citrus cocktail for a pleasant contrast.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Enjoy this delicious dish and let your imagination run wild with your variations. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the filling: 1/2 small white cabbage 2 medium-sized carrots 1 red bell pepper 1 yellow bell pepper 2-3 cloves of garlic 3-4 slices of ham or 300 g minced chicken 1 stalk of leek 4-5 assorted mushrooms 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce 300 ml oil for frying salt and pepper to taste 1 pack of thin pastry sheets Sweet and sour sauce: 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or wine 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons tomato sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce juice from 2 oranges 1 tablespoon sesame oil or your preference 1 teaspoon cornstarch 5-6 tablespoons of water