Hello everyone! Welcome to Paulina cuisine and a new episode of these in which we talk about different dishes around the world that we all love. Today we are going to talk about spring rolls , an Asian specialty that has captivated people worldwide.
Spring rolls are part of traditional cuisine with a long and interesting story (and yes, are oriental) and are also super versatile and adaptable to consumer tastes and requirements. That is due to its popularity that has spread throughout the world.
They have been enjoyed for centuries in China and have evolved over time, expanding to other cultures and regions of Asia, where they have also acquired their own variations and names. We have a lot of information about it so adjust the belts that are going on a trip.
Content table
About spring rolls
A little history about spring rolls
Spring rolls have a long history in China and it is believed that they date back to Han dynasty, more than 1,800 years ago. The reason behind the name "Spring Rollito" is related to the Chinese tradition. You cannot attribute the invention to a specific person, since they are part of the traditional Chinese cuisine that as we know is very prolific.
These rolls were originally prepared during the celebrations of the spring party , which marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year and the arrival of spring. Therefore, the rolls received the name of "Chūnjuǎn" (春卷) what spring rolls means to commemorate this holiday.
Spring Rollitos versions
The most popular version outside of China is Vietnamese . Vietnamese rolls, known as "nem cuốn" or "gỏi cuốn" , are different in terms of ingredients and envelope style. They are characterized by being fresh, wrapped in rice paper and generally contain fresh herbs and shrimp.
Japanese rolls , also known as "Harumaki" or "Spring Maki" in which the Japanese dough can be different in texture and flavor, since of often tempura mass or special wheat flour is used.
In addition to these versions, spring rolls also have variants in other parts of Asia. For example, in Thailand they are called "Poh Pia Tod" and usually contain glass and tofu noodles. Each region has its own culinary influences and ingredient preferences.
Characteristics of the original spring roll recipe
- Spring rolls generally carry a filling based on vegetables and meat or seafood. The most common vegetables are cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, soy buds and chives. You can chop the ingredients in julienne or in pieces. To add protein, include chicken, pork, shrimp, etc--
- Spring rolls are wrapped in fine dough sheets made of wheat flour. The dough is stuffed with the mixture of ingredients and is rolled in the form of a cylinder. Ensure sealing the ends well with a mixture of flour and water to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- Homemade spring rolls can be cooked in different ways. The most common option is to fry in hot oil. You can also bake them in the oven to get a healthier version with less fat. Some people also steamed them for a lighter option.
- Spring rolls are usually served with a variety of sauces to enhance their flavor. Some popular options include bittersweet sauce, soy sauce, peanut sauce, plum sauce or chili sauce. Choose the sauces that you like best or experiment with different combinations to find the favorite.
How can spring rolls be served?
Spring rolls can be served as the main dish in a meal. They are usually placed on a plate or tray and are presented in their original form, either fried or baked. They are often accompanied with wet sauces. They are also popular as an appetizer. They are usually served in smaller portions and are presented in individual dishes or in a tray to share. They can be part of a selection of entrants in a restaurant or at a party.
In buffet type events, spring rolls can be served in a large tray or individual containers. The diners can take the rolls to their liking and accompany them with the sauces available at the table.
A fresh and healthy option is to serve spring rolls wrapped in lettuce leaves . They are placed on a lettuce sheet and rolled before eating them. This adds an additional crunch and a different texture when enjoying them.
Because spring rolls can be served as the main or snack dish , they can be accompanied with other elements such as salads or rice , depending on the context. In case of serving them with sauces, these can be served in small individual dishes or as a dress directly on the plate.
Home spring roll recipe
Yield : 12 rolls
Preparation time : 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 mass sheets for spring rolls (you can find them in Asian stores or supermarkets)
- 1 cup of grated cabbage
- 1 grated carrot
- 1 cup of soy shoots
- 4 chopped mushrooms
- 2 chopped chives
- 200 gr of pork or chopped chicken
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 chopped garlic clove
- Frying vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make spring rolls
- In a large pan heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the meat and cook until it is golden brown and cooked. Add the grated cabbage, grated carrot, soy buds, mushrooms, chives, grated ginger and chopped garlic. Cook until they are tender, but still crispy.
- Pour the soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste and remove well to combine the ingredients. Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool before starting to fill the rolls.
- Place a mass sheet on a flat surface and add a portion of the filling mixture in the center. Fold the left and right sides inward and then roll up the roll forward, making sure it is well sealed. Repeat until you have used all the ingredients.
- In a large pan, heat enough vegetable oil over high heat to fry. Place the rolls in hot oil and fry until golden and crispy, from 3 to 4 minutes. Turn to brown evenly.
- Remove spring oil from oil and place on absorbent paper to remove excess fat. Serve them hot.
