roll it up

There is something so yummy about a wrap (or a roll). I love being able to wrap something delicious up in a handy little package and take a big bite of yummy. Whether it is on the go, or sitting down for dinner, you can always get something good in a wrap. When ingredients are all rolled up together just right, they are fun to hold and even more fun to eat.

I also think rolls, be it sushi or a yummy taco, can be an amazingly fun dinner activity. I love cooking, and having friends over for dinner, so what could be better than a fun and easy food to make together? By having a make your own taco party, or roll your own sushi party, your friends can cook along with you, with out the complicated prep. It is also fun for everyone to be able to put their own spin on their dinner.

The idea for this dinner grew out of many a dinner at my local Thai restaurant. I absolutely LOVE summer rolls. They are fresh, flavorful, and seriously delicious. Flavors of Thai food are really wonderful. Not as heavy as other Asian foods, Thai food combines fresh vegetables and herbs, with peanuty dressings and flavorful sauces. The best part? I can eat (almost) everything! I am always trying to re-create my favorite restaurant meals in my own kitchen. This one, was seriously a success. This meal was filled with simple, delicious flavors, and was quick and fun to make. Plus, it was just as good made from scratch. I absolutely recommend you try this out with your roommate or a few friends- I promise you'll have fun!


Fresh Summer Rolls with Sesame-Peanut Dipping Sauce

1/2 container firm tofu
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp sesame seeds

6 rice paper wraps (I used brown rice paper wrappers from Star Anise Foods)
1 orange or yellow bell pepper, cut into match-sticks
2 large carrots, peeled cut into match-sticks
10 leaves of mint
1 cup lettuce

1 tbsp sesame seeds
1/4 tsp minced ginger
1 tbsp soy sauce (I used gluten free!)
1 tbsp warm water
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp peanuts (chopped, or pounded, very finely- you could also use chunky peanut butter here!)

veggies

Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic in a baking dish
Cut tofu into 1/2 inch thick slices or strips of tofu
Place tofu in baking dish and allow to marinate for about 30 minutes
Remove tofu and coat sides with sesame seeds
Place the tofu in an oiled pan over medium-high heat
Cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until each side is browned
Remove from heat

tofu

Have a warm bowl of water on your work station
Carefully place the rice paper wrap into the bowl and work it around until the entire thing is wet
After about 30 seconds or so, the wrap will begin to feel soft and sticky
Remove the rap from the water and place flat on a plate
Pile on your veggies, mint, and tofu in any order that you want
Roll in the sides of your wrap, and roll it up!

dipping sauce

In a small bowl, mix together sesame seeds, ginger, soy sauce, water, oil, lime juice, vinegar, and peanuts
Mix well

Dip your rolls into the peanut sauce and enjoy!!
(We had this with a delicious broccoli slaw, also pictured!)

dip

soak

fill

fill some more

roll

enjoy!