Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll

Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll Recipe from China | California Avocados & Rice Sticks

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the creamy richness of avocado with the crisp freshness of vegetables and the satisfying crunch of fried rice sticks. This recipe is a modern twist on traditional egg rolls, incorporating California avocados and a noodle filling to create a dish that's both innovative and delicious. Perfect for appetizers, party snacks, or even a light meal, these egg rolls offer a unique taste experience that's sure to impress.

History

The concept of the egg roll is believed to have originated in China, evolving over centuries into the various forms we see today in different cuisines around the world. The traditional egg roll is a staple in Chinese-American cooking, typically filled with cabbage, pork, and other vegetables, then wrapped and deep-fried. The Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll, however, is a more recent innovation, reflecting the growing trend of incorporating avocados into a wide range of dishes. This recipe celebrates the fusion of traditional Asian cooking techniques with the flavors of Californian cuisine, showcasing the versatility of avocados.

Ingredients

12 refrigerated spring roll wrappers
vegetable noodle Filling - Recipe follows
1 lb (454 g) sliced california avocados
Fried rice sticks - as needed for garnish

How to prepare

METHOD.
For each roll, lay the wrapper on a work surface with the corner at the top.
Put 0.5 cup of the cooled filling in a line from left to right in the center of the wrapper, leaving a 1 inch border on each side.
Place 2 slices of avocado in the center of the filling.
Pull the top corner over the filling and fold in the sides. Roll once toward the bottom corner. Moisten the remaining corner with water and press firmly to seal.
Place the roll on a lightly floured sheet pan, sealed side down. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
PER ORDER.
Deep fry 1 egg roll at 375°F (191°C) until golden brown, about 2-0.5 minutes. Cut on the diagonal. Place on fried rice sticks. Serve immediately with mustard, soy, or honey sesame ginger dipping sauce.
Vegetable Noodle Filling.
Stir-fry 0.5 cup of red onion (julienned to 1-0.5 inch length), 0.5 cup of carrot (matchstick cut to 1-0.5 inch length), and 0.5 cup of red bell pepper (julienned to 1-0.5 inch length) in 1-0.5 tbsp of canola oil until soft, about 2 minutes.
Add 2 tsp of chopped garlic and 1 tsp of minced ginger and stir-fry for an additional minute.
Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add 0.5 cup of cold rice noodles (soaked, then cooked until soft and drained), 0.25 cup of freshly chopped cilantro, 0.25 tsp of salt, 0.25 tsp of sugar, and 0.5 tsp of sesame oil.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Yield: 1-0.5 cup.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider adding protein such as tofu, shrimp, or chicken to the filling. You can also experiment with different vegetables according to your preference or seasonality.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results when making Avocado Vegetable Egg Rolls, consider the following tips:

- Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness.

- Keep the spring roll wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

- Be careful not to overfill the wrappers to avoid tearing.

- Seal the edges of the wrappers well to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.

- Fry the egg rolls in batches to maintain the oil temperature for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Avocado Vegetable Egg Rolls with a selection of dipping sauces, such as mustard, soy, or honey sesame ginger sauce. They can be presented as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal alongside other Asian-inspired dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying is the recommended cooking technique for achieving the crispy texture of the egg rolls. However, for a healthier option, you can bake the egg rolls in the oven until golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're unable to find spring roll wrappers, you can use phyllo dough as an alternative. Rice noodles can be substituted with vermicelli or even spaghetti in a pinch.

Make Ahead Tips

The vegetable noodle filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Assembled egg rolls can also be refrigerated for a few hours before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the egg rolls diagonally and arrange them on a platter over a bed of fried rice sticks. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an added touch of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Avocado Vegetable Egg Rolls with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing beer like a pilsner to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll contains approximately 200-250 calories, making it a relatively light option. However, calories can vary based on the size of the rolls and the exact ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from the spring roll wrappers and the rice noodles in the filling. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, and this dish provides a balanced amount to fuel your body.

Fats

Avocados are a key ingredient in this recipe and are a healthy source of monounsaturated fats. These fats are beneficial for heart health and can help to lower bad cholesterol levels. The deep-frying process does add saturated fats, so it's best to enjoy these egg rolls in moderation.

Proteins

The Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll is not high in protein since it primarily contains vegetables and avocados. For a protein boost, consider adding tofu, shrimp, or chicken to the filling.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocados are packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and potassium. The vegetables in the filling also contribute additional nutrients, making these egg rolls a nutritious choice.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten (in the spring roll wrappers) and may contain allergens depending on the dipping sauces used. Always check the labels of store-bought sauces for allergen information.

Summary

Overall, the Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll is a nutritious option that provides healthy fats, essential vitamins, and minerals. It's a balanced dish that can fit into a variety of dietary needs when consumed in moderation.

Summary

The Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the crispness of vegetables and the crunch of fried rice sticks. With its fusion of flavors and textures, it's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a perfect addition to any meal or gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Avocado Vegetable Egg Rolls. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through a local farmers market, picking out fresh produce for the week. As I was leaving, a friendly old woman stopped me and handed me a small piece of paper with a handwritten recipe on it.

"Here, dear," she said with a smile. "I think you'll enjoy making these Avocado Vegetable Egg Rolls. They're one of my family's favorites."

I thanked her and tucked the recipe into my purse, eager to try it out. When I got home, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients: ripe avocados, colorful bell peppers, crunchy carrots, and fragrant cilantro. The recipe also called for a mixture of spices and a homemade dipping sauce that sounded delicious.

As I chopped and diced the vegetables, I thought back to all the different recipes I had learned over the years. Some came from cookbooks, others from friends and family members. But my favorites were always the ones that had a story behind them, like this Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll recipe.

I remembered my own grandmother teaching me how to make her famous apple pie, sharing stories of baking with her own mother when she was a little girl. Each recipe had its own history, its own memories attached to it. And now, as I mixed together the avocado and vegetables for the egg rolls, I couldn't help but wonder about the story behind this recipe.

Was it passed down through generations, like my grandmother's apple pie recipe? Or was it a new creation, discovered by the old woman at the farmers market? I would probably never know, but that didn't stop me from feeling a sense of connection to whoever had first created this delicious dish.

As the egg rolls baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, I whipped up the dipping sauce and set the table. When my family sat down to eat, their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bite of the Avocado Vegetable Egg Rolls.

"These are amazing, Grandma!" my granddaughter exclaimed, her mouth full of avocado and vegetables. "Can we have this for dinner every night?"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm and shared a knowing look with my husband. It was moments like these that made all the years of cooking and collecting recipes worth it. The joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, of passing down a piece of culinary history, was something that never got old.

As we finished our meal, I made a mental note to add the Avocado Vegetable Egg Roll recipe to my collection. It was a new addition, but I knew it would quickly become a family favorite. And as I cleaned up the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the old woman at the farmers market who had shared this recipe with me.

So thank you, kind stranger, for introducing me to the joy of Avocado Vegetable Egg Rolls. Your recipe will be cherished and passed down through the generations, just like all the others that have come before it. And who knows, maybe someday my granddaughter will be the one standing in a farmers market, sharing this recipe with someone new. The circle of culinary tradition continues, one delicious dish at a time.